2) from among them he chose twelve apostles and gave them his threefold office: teaching, priestly and royal;
3) he made Saint Peter the visible head of the Church, he himself remained his invisible head.
(Holidays of the apostles).
197. With which words Jesus Christ made Saint Peter the visible head of the Church?
In the following words, Jesus Christ made Saint Peter the visible head of the Church: »And I tell you, you're a rock (that is Piotr), on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome him. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatever you tie on the ground, will be tied and in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth, will be loosed and in heaven *. (Mat.
16, 18, 19). »Feed my lambs… »Feed my sheep * (Jan 21, 15, 17).
198. When the apostles began exercising the threefold office of Jesus Christ?
After sending the Holy Spirit, the apostles began exercising the threefold office of Jesus Christ: by proclaiming his teaching, the faithful gathering around one another and baptizing.
199. How long will the Church exist?
According to the assurance of Jesus Christ, the Church will exist until the end of the world.
200. Who is the visible head of the Church since the death of Saint Peter??
Every Roman Bishop, i.e. the Holy Father, i.e. the Pope, since the death of Saint Peter, she has been the visible head of the Church.
201. Why the Roman Bishop is the visible head of the Church?
Therefore, the Roman bishop is the visible head of the Church, because he is the rightful heir of Saint Peter, who died as a Roman bishop.
202. What is the name of the Catholic Church because of this, that the Roman bishop is his head?
The Roman Church, therefore, the Catholic Church is called the Catholic Church, that the Roman bishop is his head.
203. Who, besides the Pope, is still the legitimate successor of the apostles?
Episcopal, living in union with the Pope, they are the legitimate successors of the apostles.
204. As we call the pope and bishops, living in union with him?
Pope and bishops, living in union with him, we call the teaching church to distinguish it from the rest of the faithful, who call themselves the listening Church.
205. Who helps bishops in carrying out their office?
Priests assist bishops in carrying out their office, that is, priests, who are the subordinates of the bishops.
Reminder. Have deep reverence and submission to the Pope in your heart, that is, the Holy Father and for bishops and priests, living in union with him,’ for of the apostles, and their successors says the Lord Jesus: »Who is listening to you, listens to me, who despises you, despises me *. (Arc. 10, 16).
