By nearly all theologians, I am referring to nearly all theologians who have addressed the topic. Various R&R have cited quotations backing this principle, Nishant in particular, if I recall, and I found the citations convincing. I'll see if I can find them.
Thanks in advance. I recall Nishant saying that but I also recall that he was overstating his case. I have never seen any theological manual discussing specifically the jurisdictional hierarchy in the context of the indefectibility of the Church. Whenever they do discuss indefectibility they don't go into the specifics of what would constitute a defection. So I don't think the specifics are based on divine revelation. The discussion would need to be limited to what what we can know from reason. Obviously, the Church must have at least one bishop. But why would the Church need at least one ordinary when ordinary jurisdiction is not necessary for electing a pope? If it was a revealed doctrine then end of discussion. But if it isn't revealed, there is no logical reason for advancing such a proposition.
Topic: THREE living bishops consecrated before death of Pius XII (Read 12770 times)