On Christifideles and Media
Speech of Pope Pius XII to Catholic Journalists
Would we dare to say with confidence that the majority of men are capable of judging, of assessing facts and currents at their true weight, so that opinion is guided by reason? However, this is a sine qua non condition for its value and health. Do we not see, instead, this way - the only legitimate one - of judging men and things according to clear rules and just principles, repudiated as an obstacle to spontaneity and, on the other hand, impulse and sensitive reaction of instinct and passion put in honor, as the only “values of life”? Under the action of this prejudice, what remains of human reason and its force of penetration into the deep maze of reality is little. Address of Pope Pius XII to Catholic Journalists, February 17, 1950
Christian Citizens and Faithful
We come to a full sense of the dignity of the lay faithful if we consider the prime and fundamental vocation that the Father assigns to each of them in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit: the vocation to holiness, that is, the perfection of charity. Holiness is the greatest testimony of the dignity conferred on a disciple of Christ. John Paul II, Christifideles Laici
The Christian faithful are free to make known to the pastors of the Church their needs, especially spiritual ones, and their desires. According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons. Code of Canon Law
37. The laity have the right, as do all Christians, to receive in abundance from their spiritual shepherds the spiritual goods of the Church, especially the assistance of the word of God and of the sacraments (). They should openly reveal to them their needs and desires with that freedom and confidence which is fitting for children of God and brothers in Christ. They are, by reason of the knowledge, competence or outstanding ability which they may enjoy, permitted and sometimes even obliged to express their opinion on those things which concern the good of the Church (). When occasions arise, let this be done through the organs erected by the Church for this purpose. Let it always be done in truth, in courage and in prudence, with reverence and charity toward those who by reason of their sacred office represent the person of Christ. Lumen Gentium
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