Pope Francis wants to retool the Catholic hierarchy so that it not only defines and enforces church teachings, but also listens and responds to how laypeople understand God’s will, German Cardinal Walter Kasper said.

“Kasper, a noted theologian whose writings are known to have influenced Francis, said the pope wants to create a ‘listening magisterium.’

“Kasper said one concept important to the pope is that of the sensus fidei, or the capacity of individual believers and the church as a whole to discern the truths of faith.

“That concept, Kasper said, was emphasized by the council … [but] Francis now wishes to give it complete meaning.

“‘He wants a listening magisterium — that makes its position, yes,” the cardinal said, “but makes its position after it has heard what the Spirit says to its churches.’”

By Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Reporter — Click here to read the rest of this story.