Making Laws in the Catholic Church

By Society & Culture & Entertainment Last updated Friday, May/03/2024

1). Become the pope -- the figurehead of the Catholic Church. According to powers of jurisdiction as defined by Catholic law, "potestas magisterii" -- the right to teach and institute order -- divides rule-making among a threefold body. The first rule maker is God himself. The second rule maker is the pope. The pope is a cardinal, selected from among fellow members of the College of Cardinals, by a two-thirds vote.
2). Become a bishop. Potestas magisterii names bishops as the third rule maker within Catholic powers of jurisdiction. Bishops are priests ordained by cardinals. Laws are carried out by priests and lower-body Catholic leaders.
3). Consult the Council of Trent on law-making specifics and the hierarchy of Catholic order. The Council of Trent is a 19th century document outlining and determining church law, the making of law and the order of the Catholic Church.

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