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This article takes into consideration the papal primacy as has been discussed in ecumenical dialogue today. Starting with an overview of the dialogues that address the issue, the author takes into consideration four fundamental theological issues: the scriptural foundation, the De iure divino aspect, universal jurisdiction and papal infallibility. Its conclusion considers the collegial and communal dimension of primacy which requires a re-reading or re-reception of Vatican I in the context of Vatican II. Ultimately it is the necessitas ecclesiae of the Roman primacy that must be reinterpreted and reshaped according to the current needs of the Church. The concrete exercise of the papal ministry cannot be determined once and for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]