INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to acquaint those
interested in the Papacy with the true Petrine Ministry of the Bishop of
Rome.
This is not a theological treatise in which the author is interested in showing the reader his command of the language by using a profusion of words, seldom used in normal conversation, and which usually convey little. This is a "bare bones facts and figures" brief historical account of those who occupied the Chair of Peter, those who tried to occupy it and those who tried to steal the right to occupy it.
In other documents (1) The M+G+R Foundation has clearly stated its position regarding the Bishop of Rome. Nonetheless, in summary:
Since the Church claims that its Teachings are based on Divine Revelations and Tradition, we feel that the best way to understand the Petrine Ministry and the source of much of the Catholic Tradition is by virtually meeting each and every one who occupied the Chair of Peter.
We must all keep in mind one very important
detail. Although, without a doubt, the Holy Spirit of God Was, Is and
Will ever Be the Infallible Guide of the Church, the obedient
response to such Divine Guidance depends on the action of man.
That is why H.H. John Paul II has sought Divine
forgiveness so many times for the errors and atrocities committed by those who
had the commanding voice in the Church at the particular time in question
(3) and who did not submit to the Infallible
Guidance of the Holy Spirit of God.
FORMAT TO BE USED
We will break up the historical presentation in
short segments by publishing a brief history of four Popes at a time. The
groupings will be indicated by the period (in years) covered, and may be
accessed through the Papal Index Link.
Papal matters of significant note will be highlighted by underscoring the appropriate portions of the text. When appropriate, The M+G+R Foundation will make commentaries, however, we will strive to keep those commentaries to a minimum.
To avoid unnecessary controversy we have drawn the
information from an official sources.
NOTES
(1) About Us and
About Miguel de Portugal
(2) As the reader reviews the Papacies of centuries past, the reader will
see that some teachings-by-example were certainly not from God. These
circumstances were the ones which are considered "not normal circumstances".
Nonetheless, in time errors and abuses were usually corrected because God saw
to it.
(3) The Papacy In Historical
Perspective. The Seldom Told History.
Originally posted on Pentecost Sunday.
June 3, 2001.
