Authority

Authority: when applied to the Catholic Church, the term denotes oversight powers. Bishops of dioceses have spiritual, moral, legal, and fiduciary authority over the diocese to which they are assigned. The source for this authority is based on Christian scripture and tradition. In Catholic institutions, authority is vested in office holders in the Church, from the Pope to Cardinals to Arch/bishops to priests to deacons. The true test of authority is the reception by the faithful of the decrees or policies of these officeholders.