XIII. On the Obligations of Inferiors and Ecclesiastical Superiors

What are the obligations of inferiors as regards ecclesiastical superiors? - Subjects are bound to exhibit to their spiritual superiors love, honor, and obedience in those things which look to their jurisdiction and care; likewise necessary support. It is proved: 1. This is clear from many places of Sacred Scripture, 1 Tim. 5:17, 18; Heb. 13:17, etc. 2. As regards love, reverence, and obedience: because they are superiors, having true jurisdiction; as regards support: because the worker is worthy of his wage. As to those who apply their work to the common utility, that is, to Princes, soldiers, and others of this kind, stipends of sustenance are owed by the people, so also to those who minister to worship unto the salvation of the whole people, the people owes stipends of sustenance. - Trent, s. 25, c. 17, de R.; Leo XIII, encyclical Sapientiae christianae, Jan. 10, 1880; St. Thomas, Quodl. 6, a. 10; Quodl. 10, a. 12.

You will resolve: Therefore all Christians are bound under grave fault to obey the Supreme Pontiff in things pertaining to faith, to morals, and to Christian discipline; for in these he is the Vicar of Christ on earth. In the same way diocesan subjects are bound to obey Bishops, according to the reason of the matter, in those things which look to their jurisdiction.

What are the obligations of ecclesiastical superiors? - Spiritual superiors in turn are bound to exhibit to subjects love, spiritual care, doctrine, and good example. It is proved: 1. This is clear from many places of Sacred Scripture; cf. the Epistles to Timothy and to Titus, and the Council of Trent, s. 23, c. 1, de R. - 2. It is evinced from their office itself. - Whence neglect of souls as regards their Christian instruction and administration of the sacraments, as regards their due admonition and correction, in ecclesiastical superiors is not only against charity, but also against justice, and for the most part a mortal sin, according to that saying of Ezek. 34:2, 4: Woe to the shepherds of Israel: that which was weak you have not strengthened, and that which was sick you have not healed, etc. - L. 357 seqq.