This panel considers the exercise of authority in the Church. While this theme is as old as its institution, it has gained new momentum in recent years, especially with the concept of synodality relaunched by Pope Francis as a matter of discernment for the universal Church, starting at its local levels. Three different aspects will receive attention. First, authority will be explored in the relationship between ecclesial collective and individual subjects. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction between the responsibilities and duties of the presbyterium and those of the bishop. Second, authority will be considered in the context of liturgically celebrated and professed faith. The connection between liturgical presidency and actuosa participatio (active participation) of the faithful will highlight the need for an authoritative exercise that makes all the participants co-interpreters of the meanings generated in the liturgy.Third, the authority of magisterial claims will be connected to the authoritativeness of believers’ lived history and real experience. To bear authoritative weight, magisterial authority must be linked to Veritas vitae (Truth of life) in the ancient words of Pope Adrian VI (XVI century).The panel affirms that the exercise of authority is a collective enterprise which manifests its authoritative character as it considers the specific responsibility of all the ecclesial subjects involvedChair: Alessio De Fabritiis (Pontificia Università Lateranense)Speakers:Antonio Autiero (Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster)Serena Noceti (Istituto superiore di scienze religiose della Toscana / Facoltà teologica dell’Italia centrale) Massimo Faggioli (Villanova University)Federico Cinocca (Boston College)