La paternidad espiritual del sacerdote en la tradición de la Iglesia

Abstract

Since ancient times, the most widespread form among the Christian people to call the ordained minister has been “father”. Now, does it have theological foundation to call the priest “father”? This article shows how the theological tradition has assumed and justified this term from the first centuries to the present day. It will become evident that the foundation of the spiritual paternity of the priest has been progressively enriched, because from its initial conception based on the authority of the Father, it has acquired a more Christological character which, without excluding the previous one, is based on the spousal relationship of Christ with the Church, in which the priest participates.