[The author reviews the discussion between Kasper and Ratzinger on the ontological priority of the universal Church, and then summarizes several studies by Kasper on the papacy and episcopacy at Vatican I, on Aquinas’s teaching about the bishop’s ministry, and Vatican II’s teachings on the institution of the bishop’s office, as well as the pastoral, collegial, and sacramental character of that office. Finally, he touches on Kasper’s theological convictions regarding international synods of bishops, episcopal conferences, the election of bishops, and the personal responsibility of the bishop for the leadership in his local church.]