Papal supremacy facts for kids

Inscription at front of Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope's main church in Rome. It says: "Most Holy Lateran Church, of all the churches in the city and the world, the Mother and Head."

In the Catholic Church, the pope is seen as the highest leader. He is the head of the entire church. This means that whatever the pope says in his role as church leader is valid for all Catholics. The pope has complete and total power over the whole Church. He can always use this power without anything stopping him. This means the pope has a very strong and direct influence on the beliefs and actions of Catholics worldwide.

What is Papal Supremacy?

Papal supremacy is the idea that the Pope has the highest authority in the Catholic Church. It means he has full, supreme, and universal power. This power covers all parts of the Church. It also means he is in charge of the spiritual well-being of all Catholics.

Examples of Papal Power

Popes have shown their supreme power throughout history. Here are a few examples:

• In 1095, Pope Urban II called for the Crusades. This was a series of religious wars. The goal was to take back the Holy Land from Muslim control. This showed the Pope's power to unite European nobles under his leadership.
• The Pope also had the power to decide who would be king. For example, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as the first Carolingian emperor. This meant the Pope, not just Charlemagne himself, gave him the right to rule. This showed the Pope's influence over political leaders.

Papal Supremacy Becomes Official

The idea of papal supremacy became an official teaching, called a dogma, during the First Vatican Council. This important meeting happened in the 1800s. It made it clear that Catholics must believe in the Pope's supreme authority.

Images for kids

• 

  Pope Pius IX opening the First Vatican Council. It was during this council that papal supremacy was officially declared a core belief.

See also

A robot icon

In Spanish: Supremacía papal para niños