The Pope Francis and the question of ecclesial ministries

of the (inverted) pyramid the image of the polyhedron

Abstract

Pope Francis, since the beginning of his pontificate, surprises us both with symbolic gestures and with popular expressions, such as “Church which goes forth”, “pastor with smell of the sheep”, “campaign hospital”, “spiritual alzheimer's " etc. To this set of expressions, Francis added two new images to exemplify the new society and new politics, but also the new ecclesial relationships he proposes: the polyhedron and the inverted pyramid. While the polyhedron emphasizes diversity, the inverted pyramid places those at the top in a position of service and listening to the people of God, thus proceeding with a “sound decentralization” (EG, 16). How to assume this perspective after centuries in which the Church was represented as a monarchical and hierarchical pyramid? Thus, this article aims to deepen the sense, meaning and importance of the images of the inverted pyramid and the polyhedron in the construction of a ministerial Church. The relevance of this article is to present the understanding of an all-ministerial Church from the unfolding of the Second Vatican Council, illuminating from the perceptions of pope Francis. Furthermore, the debate on the question of ecclesial ministeriality requires an accurate theological reflection, as the theme has been assumed as a priority in the pontificate of the current Pontiff.