Magisterium
Latin magister, "teacher"
Definition
The living teaching office of the Church, exercised by the Pope and the bishops in communion with him.
The Magisterium "is not superior to the Word of God, but is its servant" (CCC 86). Its task is to interpret authentically the Word of God handed on in Scripture and Tradition. It teaches with varying degrees of authority, from solemn definitions to ordinary pastoral guidance.