plenitudo potestatis

papal history

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July 1, 2026

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The term "plenitudo potestatis" refers to the "fullness of power" historically claimed by the Roman Pontiff. This concept developed early in the church's history, with Roman bishops increasingly asserting scriptural and theoretical justifications for their preeminence. Figures like Pope Damasus I began calling the Roman church "the apostolic see," and later, Pope Leo I viewed himself as Peter's representative, possessing the full monarchical powers Peter had wielded.12

Medieval popes, including Gregory VII and Innocent III, further clarified and practiced this fullness of power, aided by canon law and theologians who magnified papal authority. This led to the understanding that the Pope is the successor of Peter, the head of the entire church, and holds the full power to govern the universal church.2

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Roman Catholicism
Ancient and medieval views of papal authority
…that fullness of power (plenitudo potestatis) over the church to which, according to some scholars, Leo I himself had laid claim. In this they were aided not only by the efforts of publicists such as the 13th-century Italian theologian and philosopher Giles of Rome, also known as Aegidius Romanus,…
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…that fullness of power (plenitudo potestatis) over the church to which, according to some scholars, Leo I himself had laid claim. In this they were aided not only by the efforts of publicists such as the 13th-century Italian theologian and philosopher Giles of Rome, also known as Aegidius Romanus,…
Read More