Thus it is that Pope Innocent III states [De Consuetudine]…
“Thus it is that Pope Innocent III states [De Consuetudine] that, it is necessary to obey the Pope in all things as long as he, himself, does not go against the universal customs of the Church, but should he go against the universal customs of the Church, 'he need not be followed' . . .”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Obey the Pope unless his directives conflict with universal Church customs.
In simple terms: Follow the Pope unless he contradicts Church norms.
Respect tradition, question conflicting authority.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- church governance
- ethical decision making
- faith practice
- institutional loyalty
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When should obedience yield to conscience?
- How to discern true customs?
Interpretation of “universal customs” can be subjective.