183. What is the competence of the college of bishops?

183. What is the competence of the college of bishops?

(Comp 183) The college of bishops in union with the Pope, and never without him, also exercises supreme and full authority over the Church.

“In brief”

(CCC 938) The Bishops, established by the Holy Spirit, succeed the apostles. They are "the visible source and foundation of unity in their own particular Churches" (LG 23).

To deepen and explain

(CCC 883) "The college or body of bishops has no authority unless united with the Roman Pontiff, Peter's successor, as its head." As such, this college has "supreme and full authority over the universal Church; but this power cannot be exercised without the agreement of the Roman Pontiff" (LG 22; cf. CIC, can 336). (CCC 884) "The college of bishops exercises power over the universal Church in a solemn manner in an ecumenical council" (CIC, can. 337 § 1). But "there never is an ecumenical council which is not confirmed or at least recognized as such by Peter's successor" (LG 22).

On reflection

(CCC 885) "This college, in so far as it is composed of many members, is the expression of the variety and universality of the People of God; and of the unity of the flock of Christ, in so far as it is assembled under one head" (LG 22).

(Next question: How do the bishops carry out their mission of teaching?)