KEYS, POWER OF THE (Potestas Claciurn), in Roman Catholic theology, properly signifies the supreme authority in the church, which Catholics believe to be vested in pope, as successor to Peter. The phrase is derived from the metaphor addressed by our Lord to Peter in Matt. xvi. 19, and which Catholic interpreters, relying on the analogous use of the phrase. in Isaiah xxii. 22, Apoc. iii. 7, and again i. 18, and also in classical writers, understand as implying the supreme power in the church. The' power of the keys is divided by Catholics into two branches—that of order, which, though possessed by all bishops and priests, is believed to belong specially and primarilrto the pope; and of jurisdiction, which chiefly regards the supreme government of the church, and embraces the power of enacting laws and dispensing in them, and of directing and governing not only the Christian flock, but also its pastors in their several spheres. The jurisdiction of the keys is exercised in a more limited field, and in a subordinate way, by patriarchs, primates, archbishops, bishops, and other digni taries; but that, according to the Roman theory, it has its source, as well as its chief seat, in the4 pope, is implied in the distinctive use of the emblem of the keys as a: symbol of papal jurisdiction. The metaphor of the keys was frequently appealed ta
in the debates of the late Vatican council on the papal privileges. The phrase is also applied to the sacrament of penance, to designate the power of remitting or retaining sin, and with the same distinction of order and jurisdiction, of which the former lg. imparted to every priest by his ordination, while the latter is only communicated by ani, express act of the bishop or other superior.
Protestants in general regard the power of the keys as equallyintrusted to the whole? ministry of the church of Christ, and as including doctrine and discipline. They admit. the argument from the use of the key in Scripture as a symbol of authority; but, refuse to acknowledge any limitation of that authority inconsistent with their views•. of Christian doctrine and of the relation of the ministry to the whole church of and of Peter to the rest of the apostles.