Pope Leo XIV Highlights Hierarchical Structure of the Church at General Audience

Photo Credit: Reuters                                                                                                                                                   Video Credit: EWTN

n Wednesday, 25th March 2026, at the General Audience at the Vatican Square, Pope Leo XIV offered further catechesis on the hierarchical structure of the Church, continuing his reflections on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, particularly the third chapter of the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen gentium.

The Holy Father explained that the hierarchical structure of the Church is fundamental to her very foundation, rooted in her origin rather than merely in her identity as the People of God. He noted that this structure was established by Jesus Christ Himself through His Apostles, with Saint Peter at their head, entrusted with the mission of proclaiming the Gospel for the salvation of the world.

Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the Church’s hierarchy is a divine institution, not a human construct for organizational or social purposes. It exists to serve and advance the mission given by Christ to the Apostles, ensuring the continued growth and sanctification of the Church in accordance with the teachings of the Council.

He further explained that bishops and priests, as successors of the Apostles, are called to serve the faithful and build up the Church in unity, mission, and holiness. The hierarchy, he noted, functions to preserve and faithfully transmit the salvific message entrusted by Christ.

Referring again to Lumen gentium, the Pope highlighted the distinction between the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood and the common priesthood of the faithful, noting that they differ “in essence and not only in degree.” While all baptized Christians share in the priesthood of Christ, those ordained to the ministerial priesthood receive a special grace, sacra potestas (sacred power), which enables them to carry out their specific responsibilities (munera) in service to the People of God.

Citing the teachings of Pope Paul VI, the Holy Father reaffirmed that the Church’s hierarchy is a reality rooted in Christ Himself, established to ensure the faithful transmission of the Gospel and the strengthening of the Church’s mission.

Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV called on all the faithful to remain united in faith and mission, praying that God would bless His people and sustain them in ministry through evangelical charity for the good of the whole world.

Anita Aryeh
DEPSOCOM, Accra