"The conciliar definitions on the Bishop of Rome’s mission must be understood and explained in the light of … Christian tradition. It should be kept in mind that the traditional language used by the councils, especially the First Vatican Council, in regard to the powers of both the Pope and the bishops, uses terms proper to the world of civil law, which in this case must be given their correct ecclesial meaning."
- Pope John Paul II, General Audience, Feb. 24, 1993
