What, in layman's terms, is Papal Infallibility?

Question

I've been reading about it on the internet, but I can't make heads or tails of it.

I mean, is a Catholic to understand that whatever the Pope says is:

a) the word of God?
b) inspired by God?
c) inarguably true?

Please don't cut-and-paste from Wikipedia or any other source as that's what I've been reading and don't understand...

Answer 1

No, nothing like what you suppose.

The Pope on a day to day basis is not infallible. He can say things that are just plain wrong - hopefully he does not, but he can and will make mistakes, just like any of us. His judgements and pronouncements can be wrong. The church does not even deny there have been some bad popes, who spent most of their careers being wrong!

Papal infallibility is something different - it is an extension of the infallibility of ecumenical councils. You see, every few hundred years, bishops will meet and basically set the course of the church for the next few hundred years. The first time this happened was under Constantine in Rome in the 4th century. The most recent time was in the 1960s, a council called Vatican II.

These councils are considered to be "without error." That is, they are to be accepted as true because it is felt that God has guided their final result and protected the bishops from making pronouncements that would be in error.

Papal infallibility is considered to be an extension of this power. Since the Pope is head of the bishops and their authority extends from his, the Vatican I council decided that the ability to make these kinds of binding pronouncements must also in some way be the source of a council's binding authority.

But in order for what a Pope says to be infallible it must be:

- Pronounced ex-Cathedra: that is, he must basically invoke this power from the "chair of Peter." He has to assert that he's using this charism of infalliblity for it to be applicable.
- It has to be a matter of faith and morals. The Pope cannot declare "The mets will win the world series!" and declare it infallible - it has to be related to a matter of belief, or a matter of conduct.
- What he says cannot contradict any other dogma, and cannot contradict the Bible. Not even the Pope has the authority to declare that "St. Peter denied Christ four times, not three" or anything like that.
- as with councils of the church, it is basically felt that the Pope is protected by God from erring when he makes an ex-cathedra pronouncement. That is the extent of God's role in it - popes are not considered prophets in the same sense the LDS might think of their church's president.

In all of history, an ex-cathedra pronouncement of this kind - the invocation of papal infallibility - has only actually ever happened just once, in the year 1950.

Answer 2

I think the answer to your question is d.) None of the Above

This was the best explanation I could find:
http://www.catholic.com/library/Papal_Infallibility.asp

I haven't been a catholic for a long time, so I don't remember much about this subject. This may also be a topic too complicated for this type of forum...so you may want to seek information from a local catholic church if you are truly passionate about understanding this concept.

I know...it's not a catchy answer...but I do believe it's a realistic one.

Also: "The bible says that a person comes before God only through his son Jesus Christ and is very clear about this. If you believe an ex-Nazi Youth is your connection to salvation then go for it.." -- The concept of Papal Infallibility is much, much older than the current pope.

Answer 3

What you said is correct-Catholics are to believe that. But it is not true. This is the main reason the Catholic church can not reconcile with others, for past popes have made mistakes. If the church admits past papal errors then he an not be infallible. They have to perpetuate this false teaching to keep the parishioners from doubting the credibility of the church. Now, one can see their dilemma. If they correct this wrong, then the church will fall apart. The pope is just a man. Maybe educated, but just a man-nothing more.

Answer 4

Yeah, you pretty much have the idea. It's basically that the Pope is incapable of making a mistake in judgement by the fact that he's supposed to be the representative of Peter, upon whom the church was based. They believe that God has a direct hand in leading the Pope, therefore what he says must be true.

Is it true? I don't know. I think Catholicism is a beautiful way to worship God, their services and churches are wonderful decorations to God; their method of worship, presenting a humble priest to Jesus as representative of the congregation is a glorious tribute. I do have some problems with their theology, but accept that most Catholics are God-fearing people trying to live day to day in the same world I do.

Answer 5

The bible says that a person comes before God only through his son Jesus Christ and is very clear about this. If you believe an ex-Nazi Youth is your connection to salvation then go for it..

Answer 6

Ok. This is my understanding.
The Pope is considered to be "unable to fail"(infallibility) when he makes judgments and pronouncements. This means that in this world, his word is coming from God, and his words are divinely inspired.

Answer 7

It means the Pope is Always right ..nothing he says can be wrong BECAUSE HE HAS THE EAR OF GOD.

Answer 8

It means the peist is always right...and you should accept what he/she says in an uncompromising manner.....much like you should follow "doctor's orders".