Is one of the Pope's official functions to communicate what is right and wrong to the world?

[setmefree]

Hi. Im apologize if this is obvious but I tried searching but I couldn't find anything online that states this unequivocally.
( not so adept at the Google ). Before I comment on what, why, when and how Pope Francis talks to us all I figured I should know 100 % if talking to the Catholic's and the other people of the world is something he should be doing as pope.
BTW. I am a lapsed Catholic (baptized and confirmed) who sporadically attends church in another denomination. I also want to say upfront that I am a enamored with Pope Francis. I know on internet forums there are things known as trolls who exist to start arguments and trouble. I am NOT one of them.

peace.

 

[Fish and Bread]

I have seen Popes state in the past that they view that as one of their functions. I don't have any sources to cite, though. Maybe someone else can help.

 

[Rhamiel]

the Pope, in union with the other Bishops, speak authoritatively on issues of faith and morals

 

[LivingWordUnity]

Before I comment on what, why, when and how Pope Francis talks to us all I figured I should know 100 % if talking to the Catholic's and the other people of the world is something he should be doing as pope.

The short answer is yes that is the role of the Pope. But to understand why I recommend that you study the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Lumen Gentium.

 

[Fish and Bread]

the Pope, in union with the other Bishops, speak authoritatively on issues of faith and morals

I interpreted the original question as inquiring about whether one of the Pope's official functions is to communicate morality to non-Catholics. In theory, the Popes and bishops could maintain that they speak authoritatively on issues of faith and morals but are only addressing members of their own church and not really talking to, say, an atheist or a Jew or even a Baptist. My impression has always been that they view themselves as having a pastoral responsibility to the entire earth, though, even if perhaps more so to those who are direct members of their flocks. I may be misinterpreting the question, though.

 

[LivingWordUnity]

I interpreted the original question as inquiring about whether one of the Pope's official functions is to communicate morality to non-Catholics. In theory, the Popes and bishops could maintain that they speak authoritatively on issues of faith and morals but are only addressing members of their own church and not really talking to, say, an atheist or a Jew or even a Baptist. My impression has always been that they view themselves as having a pastoral responsibility to the entire earth, though, even if perhaps more so to those who are direct members of their flocks. I may be misinterpreting the question, though.

The Pope is Christ's spokesman on earth. Jesus preached to everyone, and he died for everyone. Christ's teaching isn't limited to cradle Catholics. All are invited to join the Church. That's why the Church is called "catholic" which means universal.

"And he [Jesus] said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15

"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.'” - Matthew 28:16-20

 

[pdudgeon]

yep, i would agree with the above. you might also want to check out the Pope's weekly Urbi et Orbi addresses, as well a his tweets on twitter.

 

[football5680]

Hi. Im apologize if this is obvious but I tried searching but I couldn't find anything online that states this unequivocally.
( not so adept at the Google ). Before I comment on what, why, when and how Pope Francis talks to us all I figured I should know 100 % if talking to the Catholic's and the other people of the world is something he should be doing as pope.
BTW. I am a lapsed Catholic (baptized and confirmed) who sporadically attends church in another denomination. I also want to say upfront that I am a enamored with Pope Francis. I know on internet forums there are things known as trolls who exist to start arguments and trouble. I am NOT one of them.

peace.

I don't know if this is specifically stated somewhere but this would pretty much be a given. The duty of any leader in the Church is to uphold and proclaim the true faith.

 

[setmefree]

Thank you all for answering.

 

[IgnatiusOfAntioch]

Hi. I apologize if this is obvious but I tried searching but I couldn't find anything online that states this unequivocally.
Before I comment on what, why, when and how Pope Francis talks to us all I figured I should know 100 % if talking to the Catholic's and the other people of the world is something he should be doing as pope.
BTW. I am a lapsed Catholic (baptized and confirmed) who sporadically attends church in another denomination. I also want to say upfront that I am a enamored with Pope Francis. I know on internet forums there are things known as trolls who exist to start arguments and trouble. I am NOT one of them.

peace.

I would say, as Chief Pastor of The Catholic Church, his main mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

[ZaidaBoBaida]

To the world? No. To the church? Absolutely.

 

[LivingWordUnity]

To the world? No. To the church? Absolutely.

If that were true the Church would have never grown beyond the 12 Apostles. But the Church went from 12 members to over a billion members because she has spent the last 2,000 years preaching and ministering to the world.

"Another parable he put before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” - Matthew 13:31-32​