Catholic Doctrine?

Question

Why is the POPE not infalliable?

Answer 1

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 wrong or sinful as you and me and be in need of forgiveness.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

The Pope is a man who is chosen to head the Catholic Church on earth. While we do believe that the Holy Spirit helps in the selection of the Pope (*coughpoliticscough*), it doesn't mean that he is any more holy or worthy or correct than anyone else.

The doctrine of papal infallibilty is only 150 or so years old. It states that the Pope has the ability to make a definitive and "timelessly true" statement of theological teaching ex cathedra, meaning "from the throne." It has only been used twice, both regarding the Virgin Mary and both with the intention of helping clarify teaching and actually STRENGTHENING the teachings surrounding Jesus' divinity.

Answer 3

The doctrine of papal infallibility applies only when the pope speaks 'ex cathedra', literally, 'from the chair'. This has happened only twice in all of history.

Before infallibility can be considered, a topic must be thoroughly examined by not just the pope, but many councils of the experts in the field of theology, preferably from multiple view points, and the College of Cardinals must stand in accord with the declaration.

The Pope is not perfect nor is every word he says considered true. Very specific steps must be taken before infallibility can be invoked.

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primoa: Yes, look what 'following your heart' has done to the Christian church... over 30,000 (Thirty THOUSAND) registered Christian denominations in the USA alone.

The Christ would be ashamed to see His Body divided. He came to preach One Faith, One Hope, and One Baptism, One God and Father of All; One Church, One Body, One Life in His Spirit.

Only central authority can do this. Each person interpreting independantly has lead to disunity and hate.

The Christ would be ashamed of you.

Answer 4

The traditional belief of the Church in respect of papal infallibility was thus summed up by Vatican I which defined infallibility: "The Roman Pontiff, when he speaks 'ex cathedra', that is, when he discharges his office as pastor and teacher of all the Christians, and, in virtue of his supreme apostolic authority, defines a doctrine concerning faith or morals that is to be held by the universal Church, through the divine assistance promised him in St Peter, exercises that infallibility, with which the divine Redeemer willed to endow his Church." (Denzinger-Schonmetzer,3074).

It will be seen that infallibility is not impeccability. The Popes can fall into sin like anybody else. They can also make mistakes in matters that do not concern universal teaching on faith or morals. Infallibility, furthermore, is not a power to create new doctrines. It is a very specific and limited power. Its purpose is to preserve from error the teachings given by Christ to his Church.

May God bless you

Answer 5

The Pope may sin like everyone else personally. The infallibility of the Pope comes into play when he is teaching doctrine. Jesus told Peter, the first Pope, "Thou art Peter, Rock, and upon this Rock I shall build my Church. (Church, not Churches) and THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL OVER HER." How would he be able to say this unless he prevented the Pope from teaching error, which he does.

Answer 6

In the Catholic doctrine (I don't agree with it and don't practice anymore but spent 27 years of my life in it), it is said that the pope is not able to make mistakes when it comes to establishing doctrine.
That's the only place where he is 'infallible'.

Answer 7

I don't know about doctrine
the pope is infalliable if that means he'll fail

Answer 8

Um....he is a man. And he is fallable just like the rest of us.
That's why I pray directly to God through Jesus Christ....and not through some man in a white collar. Yet another fallacy of the catholic faith......trusting in a system rather than a Savior.....
Letting Rome make your decisions instead of listening to the Holy Spirit of God.