“The Orthodox don’t believe the Pope holds such jurisdiction (right?), so why would he not say that they look for the Church give up the claim rather than the actual power?”
Why quibble? Its a problem whether its merely a claim or a reality...and its a total deal breaker.
“Further, isn’t that power - regardless of its existence - a spiritual one? It would seem an odd usage of “temporal” if that is what he meant.”
Seems to me that its the Pope who appoints bishops, from the highest Cardinal right down to the lowliest coadjutor and he can remove them (or any cleric) for any or no reason or because its an ill fated Tuesday. Given the nature of episcopal jurisdiction, to us that’s temporal. For example, the Patriarch of Moscow has no jurisdiction in the Church of, say, Serbia; neither the does the Pope of Rome and we prefer to keep it that way.
I think “temporal” rules out any reference to spiritual power over the Church. Power over the Church by a churchman is not referred to as temporal.
I can’t figure out what this guy means, however.
I find freeper frankbaum's question to be well thought out and excellently posed. This is not about quibbling but you are right that in the eyes of of the Orthodox Church, their 'understanding' is the deal breaker.
Seems to me that its the Pope who appoints bishops, from the highest Cardinal right down to the lowliest coadjutor and he can remove them (or any cleric) for any or no reason or because its an ill fated Tuesday.
Nothing could be farther from the truth!! Where did you get that notion? This week the pope temporarily 'suspended' a bishop who 'adopted' a 28 y/o woman. Notice his immediate reaction was not to remove him. Perhaps this article will update you on how the appointments are made.
Why Doesn't the Pope Do Something about "Bad" Bishops?
The pope appoints bishops based on recommendations. You know only too well the misery we Catholics in Albany have suffered under the RC bishop who has held this office for +30 years.
In the Eastern Catholic Churches, the respective Patriarchs select their own bishops. Out of respect for his petrine office, those names are also submitted to the pope, for his 'additional' approbation. This is a courtesy, not an obligation. The pope, to the best of my knowledge, has never challenged any appointments made by a Patriarch or Metropolitan. My bishop always stops in Rome when traveling to or from Lebanon. The Papal Nuncio was present at his enthronement and read the pope's declaration. The Catholic bishops view this as a great honor and cherish their relationship with both the Patriarch and the pope.