Jesus Christ gave the Catholic Church divine authority to teach when he said, "Go therefore, make disciples of all the nations".
The authority of the Catholic Church does not come from human wisdom, political power, or popular opinion. It comes from Jesus Christ Himself. Before ascending into Heaven, Christ commissioned the apostles to teach all nations, baptise believers, and hand on everything He had commanded. This mission did not end with the death of the apostles but continues through their successors, the bishops, united with the Pope. The Churchs teaching authority exists to preserve and faithfully explain the revelation entrusted to it by Christ. Catholics believe that when the Church officially teaches on matters of faith and morals, the Holy Spirit assists her so that the Gospel may be transmitted accurately from generation to generation. This divine mission gives Christians confidence that the Church remains a trustworthy guide in matters concerning salvation and the Christian life.
Bishops, with priests as co-workers, have as their first task to preach the Gospel of God to all men. The Church, the pillar and bulwark of the truth, has received this solemn command of Christ from the apostles to announce the saving truth.
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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 behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age.
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