The pope, as the successor of St. Peter, has this power in a primary and supreme manner. The bishops of the Church also have the power, in union with and subordinate to the pope.
Priests share in it through holy orders and the delegation of authority.
Examples of the application of the Power of the Keys are the exercise of teaching and pastoral authority by the pope and bishops, the absolving of sins in the sacrament of penance, the granting of indulgences, the imposing of spiritual penalties on persons who commit certain serious sins. God s sovereign lordship or rule over salvation history, leading to the eschatological goal of eternal life with God. All rights reserved. See Terms and Conditions of Use for details.