Apostolicae sedis

Definition

Apostolicae sedis refers to the 'Apostolic See,' which is the jurisdiction of the Pope in Rome and serves as the central governing body of the Roman Catholic Church. It holds significant authority in matters of doctrine, governance, and ecclesiastical law. This term became especially relevant during the Great Western Schism, when rival popes claimed legitimacy, leading to confusion and challenges to the Church's authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Great Western Schism (1378-1417), multiple claimants to the papacy emerged, leading to disputes over which pope represented the true apostolicae sedis.
2. The authority of apostolicae sedis was challenged significantly as rival factions supported different popes, creating a crisis of legitimacy within the Church.
3. The Council of Constance (1414-1418) aimed to resolve the schism and reaffirm the authority of apostolicae sedis by electing a single pope.
4. The concept of apostolicae sedis is deeply tied to Catholic doctrine, as it represents not only papal authority but also the continuity of apostolic tradition since St. Peter.
5. Challenges to apostolicae sedis during the schism led to increased calls for reform within the Church, ultimately influencing future movements such as the Protestant Reformation.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of apostolicae sedis impact the legitimacy of papal claims during the Great Western Schism?
  • The concept of apostolicae sedis significantly impacted the legitimacy of papal claims during the Great Western Schism as multiple popes vied for recognition. Each faction claimed adherence to this authority, which created a profound crisis in establishing who truly held power. The resulting confusion undermined not only their individual claims but also the overall perception of papal authority within the Church.
• Discuss how conciliarism challenged the traditional view of apostolicae sedis during the period of the Great Western Schism.
  • Conciliarism emerged as a challenge to traditional views of apostolicae sedis by arguing that general councils could hold greater authority than individual popes. During the Great Western Schism, supporters of conciliarism advocated for councils to resolve disputes over papal legitimacy and governance. This shift highlighted tensions within Church hierarchy and governance, pushing for a more collective approach to decision-making and authority.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the challenges to apostolicae sedis during the Great Western Schism on modern Catholicism.
  • The challenges to apostolicae sedis during the Great Western Schism had significant long-term effects on modern Catholicism by prompting reforms and debates about papal authority and Church governance. The resolution through the Council of Constance sought to re-establish a unified papacy but also laid groundwork for discussions about reform that would resurface during the Protestant Reformation. These events shaped Catholic identity, governance structures, and relationship dynamics with emerging Protestant sects.

Related terms

Papal Supremacy: The doctrine that asserts the Pope's ultimate authority over all Christians, both in spiritual and temporal matters.

Schism: A division or split within a religious community, particularly referring to the formal separation from the Church, often due to disagreements over doctrine or authority.

Conciliarism: A theory that emerged during the schisms suggesting that general councils of the Church hold more authority than the Pope, especially when addressing issues of governance and doctrine.