Papal Primacy #3: How do you reconcile Papal Infallibility with Byzantine theology?
Regarding the Papacy, it is a profound blessing from God. Unfortunately, WE Catholics sometimes present it in the worst light possible. Allow me to give you an example:
A year or so ago I was eating dinner with a fellow Catholic. We were discussing matters of religion, and an Asian gentleman heard the conversation. He politely introduced himself, and wanted to learn what Catholicism was. He was a recent immigrant from Asia, and was nominally Buddhist. He asked us what Catholics believe. Before I had a chance, my friend answered:
"We believe in the Pope! Everyone must obey him in order to be saved."
This line of conversation went on for several minutes, with my friend emphasizing the necessity of "submission to Rome." There was no mention of Jesus or the Gospel message. This Asian man was noticeably disturbed, and quickly excused himself before I could get more than a word in. That was a lost opportunity.
In stark contrast, Pope John Paul has been striving to present the Papacy in a positive light. He has been working hard to explain the Papacy in the context of the Gospel message. Frankly, the Papacy only makes sense when understood in this context. Of all the exalted Papal titles, Pope John Paul prefers to be called "The Servant of the Servants of God."
This issue is at the very heart of the Orthodox / Catholic split. Eastern Orthodox Christians erroneously think of the Papacy in terms of "submission" to an earthly power. It doesn't help when some of us call them heretics and demand that they "grovel before the mighty throne of Peter." Orthodox Christians find this approach to be very distasteful, and it keeps them very wary of reunion with Rome.
The fact of the matter is that the Papacy is a magnificent gift for the benefit of the Church. The Papacy does not exist for its own benefit, but for the health and well-being of the entire Catholic Church. Pope John Paul has been stressing this in all of his contacts with the Orthodox world. When understood in this light, the Papacy actually becomes appealing to Eastern Orthodox Christians. In fact, I personally know of at least one former Orthodox priest who joined the Byzantine Catholic Church because of this positive understanding of the Papacy.
Likewise, the great authority of the Pope only makes sense when understood in light of the Pope's role as servant. This authority was not bestowed for the Pope's own glory. Rather, this authority was given by Christ as a tool to be used for the benefit of the Church.
In my work in this forum, I am striving to follow the example of Pope John Paul II and present an attractive and accurate understanding of the Papal ministry. I know as a fact that many Eastern Orthodox Christians are reading this forum, and I want them to understand that the Papacy is a blessing, not a curse. During the pontificate of Pope John Paul we have been blessed to witness the Papacy at its very best. His papacy clearly demonstrates that the Papal ministry is one of service.
For a better understanding of the Papacy, and it's past and present relationship with the Eastern Patriarchs, I would highly recommend reading "Rome and the Eastern Churches" by Fr. Aidan Nichols, OP. Father Nichols is a Roman Catholic priest, and a theologian highly respected in both the East and the West. Unfortunately this book is now out of print, but you can order it from interlibrary loan.