M

The magisterium adds nothing new to the legacy of faith; it explains what might beforehand have appeared obscure and reaffirms what has been called into question (DH 3683). The representatives of the magisterium, the pope* and the bishops*, do not receive a new revelation* (DH 4150-51). The magisterium does not prevail over the word* of God*, but serves it by teaching solely what has been preserved by tradition* (DH 4214). By nature the magisterium can only be exercised within the hierarchical community, which brings together the head and members of the episcopal college (DH 4145).