The Magisterium is the authentic teaching authority, which consists of the Roman Pontiff and the bishops (CCC 2034). This authority is tasked with preaching faith and morals to the faithful, and its scope extends to all elements of doctrine and morals necessary for the preservation and explanation of the saving truths of the faith (CCC 2035).

Within this teaching office, the Pope serves as the successor of Peter (CCC 880). He holds the office of binding and loosing, a power originally granted to Peter that continues to be exercised by the bishops under the primacy of the Pope (CCC 882). Because of this role, the Pope possesses full, supreme, and universal power over the Church (CCC 883).

The Pope further functions as the perpetual and visible source and foundation of unity for both the bishops and the entire company of the faithful (CCC 883). In his leadership of the episcopal college, he oversees the exercise of supreme and universal power over the whole Church (CCC 880). This structure defines the relationship between the Pope and the bishops, as the bishops share in their apostolic responsibility under the authority of the Pope (CCC 155).