The right to recognize your rights: Classical natural law as a safeguard against abuses of authority within the Catholic Church
Abstract
In recent years, authority within the Catholic Church has come under fire and has been accused of committing abuses on those under its responsibility. The reference to classical natural law can shed light on understanding this problem and propose a roadmap that proposes practical solutions. Respect for human dignity and freedom of conscience will be the cornerstones to guarantee an adequate and fair exercise of authority. In addition to natural law used as a hermeneutical tool to propose a safeguard of the rights of the faithful against possible abusive actions of ecclesiastical authority, this study will resort to the thought of Pope Francis. Both the pontifical documents issued during his pontificate, as well as certain interventions of lesser magisterial relevance, present a clear roadmap that promotes a renewal in the thinking and behavior of those who lead within the Church. It is an invitation to return to what is essential, from a humanism that seeks to follow in the footsteps of Christ incarnate, understanding and merciful to all, avoiding the worldly temptation to govern without serving. The final conclusions will be of a practical nature, in the Bergoglian style.
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