How did Vatican II define the power of the Pope?
Vatican II – Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (18 November 1965): ‘This sacred synod turns its attention first to the Catholic faithful. Basing itself upon sacred Scripture, it teaches that the church, now sojourning on earth as an exile, is necessary for salvation. [] WHOSOEVER, THEREFORE, KNOWING THAT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WAS MADE NECESSARY BY GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, WOULD REFUSE TO ENTER HER OR REMAIN IN HER, COULD NOT BE SAVED.’ (Paragraph 14) ‘But the college or body of bishops has no authority unless it is simultaneously conceived of in terms of its head, the Roman Pontiff, Peter’s successor, and without a lessening of his power and primacy over all, pastors as well as the general faithful. For in virtue of his office, that is as vicar of Christ and pastor of the whole church, the Roman Pontiff has full, supreme and universal power over the Church. And he can always exercise this power freely.’ (Paragraph 22) ‘Therefore his definitions of themselves and not by consent
