Papal Primacy and the Episcopate Towards a Relational Understanding

Michael Buckley argues that a theology of papal primacy, as opposed to an ideology, must focus on its nature as a unique relationship whose term or purpose is the unity of bishops among themselves and through them the unity of the entire Church. Founded upon the sacramental life of the Church, upon the specification to the see of Rome, and upon its exercise of a truly episcopal ministry, papal primacy is successful to the degree that it strengthens the bishops in their vital communion with one another and in their collegial service to the communion of the whole people of God. Buckley suggests that the papacy could exercise this mission more effectively today if it led the Church to restore such ancient canons as those that gave a decisive voice to the local church in the choice of its bishop and forbade the translation of bishops from one see to another.