2007-01-27 16:10:26 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Catholic Church teaches that the Pope is infallible at closely defined times.
The Pope is only infallible when he, in union with the body of bishops, solemnly teaches that a doctrine as true.
This comes from the words of Jesus to Peter (the first Pope) and the Apostles (the first bishops), "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven" (Matthew 18:18) and "He who hears you hears me" (Luke 10:16).
At all other times the Pope can be just as sinful as you and me and be in need of forgiveness.
With love in Christ.
2007-01-28 15:29:43 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
To Catholics, the Pope is not considered infallible. However, to a Catholic, the Pope does make occasional infallible statements.
These infallible statements ae made regarding some doctrine of faith. Therefore, the statement is not able to be proven outside divine revelation. So, it is extremly easy for someone to believe something the Pope says as a matter of faith.
So, it is important to remember that everything the Pope says is not Gospel. Catholics are not pretending that is the case. Hoever, they are sing that when the Pope declares a matter of faith to be infallible, his statement is incontestable.
Most of the infallible statements have to do with Mary. They are delivered ex cathedr, meaning from the chair. Basically, the Pope will not make infallible statements without serious discernment and advice from the Bishops.
2007-01-27 16:20:24 · answer #2 · answered by Clint S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your statement hasn't been true for 60 years. The Pope no longer claims to be infallible. If you want to research this, look up Vatican II.
2007-01-27 16:18:26 · answer #3 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whether the Pope is infallible or not, as some think he is, I, personally, believe without a shadow of doubt, that he is fallible for the following reasons:
1. He is a human being. All human beings are fallible, including prophets of God.
2. He, as anybody else, is prone to sickness, senility, etc, so how could he be infallible?
3. The crown he wears, the staff he holds, the rings around his fingers (excuse me if I do not the religious names of these items), if sold they can feed a nations. I consider this being fallible.
4. Copernicus, Galileo Galilee have proved he is fallible.
5. The history of the Vatican is saturated with blood: Witch hunt, prosecution, crusades, etc. all this prove he is fallible.
In my mind, the Vatican and all its inhabitants are a whole bunch of thugs.
2007-01-27 16:49:19 · answer #4 · answered by Aadel 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
The pope is just a man, just like any other human being. There is nothing special about him except the power that is given him by the people themselves. Think for yourself, do not believe anything that doesn't ring true to your own heart.
2007-01-27 16:14:01 · answer #5 · answered by Bewitched 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Only when he speaks ex cathedra on matters of faith and morals. Other than that, he is prone to error, like the rest of us.
2007-01-27 17:10:22 · answer #6 · answered by iraqisax 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the church is built upon the "rock", the Pope.
2007-01-27 16:14:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
yes he is fallible...and I don't listen to him at all...he is merely a man and that is all....I don't follow him or pay him any attention....he can do nothing for me...Jesus is the way
2007-01-27 16:30:56 · answer #8 · answered by shiningon 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋