Relations Between the Universal Church and Particular Churches in the Teaching and Legislation of John Paul II

Abstract

The article deals with John Paul II's contribution towards explaining the relation that holds between the Catholic Church and a particular Church in the teaching and legislation of the Catholic Church in which the doctrine is translated into the language of Canon law. The following issues are discussed: vital elements of a particular Church, particular Church as portio populi Dei, the connection of a particular Church with culture, the Catholic Church as Communio Ecclesiarum, collegiality of bishops versus the primacy of the Pope, the mission of a diocese bishop towards his particular Church and the Universal Church.