magisteriumThe teaching authority of the Catholic Church formed of the Pope and Bishops of the Church. refers to the teaching authority of the Church, formed of the Bishops.
It is one of the three sources of authority alongside scripture and tradition. There are different types and levels of magisterium.
Ordinary magisterium
Conciliar magisterium
Pontifical magisterium
Ordinary magisterium
This is when the Bishops of the Church teach what the Church has always taught. They teach the basics of the Catholic faith.
Conciliar magisterium
This involves all the Bishops of the Church being called together to form a council to discuss Church teachings and issues. The most recent council was held in the 1960s when the Second Vatican CouncilA council held by the Catholic Church between 1962 and 1965 that addressed key Catholic teachings and its relationship with other world faiths. took place. This council made major changes in Church teachings and practices, including the Mass being able to be celebrated in the vernacularThe language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people of a country or region. language, which refers to the local language of the country or place that the Mass is celebrated.
Pontifical magisterium
This is when a papal infallible statement is made. Although only the Pope himself can make a papal infallible statement, he will have consulted with the Bishops of the Church by holding discussions beforehand.