Do Roman Catholics really believe that the Pope is infallible?

Question

My friend stresses this point all the time in his tirades against Catholicism. However, if it is true, and he is "infallible"... Then what would the church do if the Pope suddenly had a change of heart? I mean, what if one day, he wakes up and decides that he believes in a different religion?

If he's infallible, then obviously he's right in choosing said religion, and that would mean every other Catholic would be expected to do so as well. Likewise, what if the Pope converted to 16th century Satanism? I know, I know, nobody -actually- worships the devil... but what if he did?

What would the remaining bishops and members of the Church do? I mean, no matter what, he's still the Pope until he dies, right?

Yeah, I know you have to vote for him, but once you do, you're stuck with him right?

And just because he takes an oath doesn't exactly mean that he'll stick to it. He's infallible, not perfect. He's still subject to error (if you consider leaving the church an error)

Well, not "subject to error" per se, but he is still subject to sin just like any other man. Infallible just means that he cannot be wrong in an argument.

Yeah, that's why they're hypothetical. Hypothetically, say the Church is wrong in its teaching... my question is: What would happen if he did any of those things?

Okay, for example... What if the Pope was asked whether Buddhism is the right religion instead of Catholicism? You'd have to have some balls to ask the Pope that. If he said yes, by some outlandish chance, and decided to declare infallibility, then he could not be wrong. Is that correct?

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.

A Pope's change of heart without union with the body of bishops would not be considered infallible.

Popes can and have resigned.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

Okay, here’s your short and simple answer: no, the Catholics Church does not teach (nor would she bind any individual Catholic to accept) that Papal Infallibility would, in any way, extend to a pronouncement by this or any other Pope that the Catholic religion was the wrong one, or that Satan was god, or any other outlandish hypothetical that you’ve suggested because they go against previously accepted Catholic doctrine.

Note: The below poster imacatholic2 is wrong when he says the pope is infallible only in union with the bishops. His own link finds this from Catechism of the Catholic Church section 891:

"The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful—who confirms his brethren in the faith—he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals. . . . The infallibility promised to the Church is also present in the body of bishops when, together with Peter's successor, they exercise the supreme Magisterium," above all in an Ecumenical Council.”

Note to the imacatholic2: As a fellow Catholic who has read many of your posts, I appreciate your tireless witness on this site, but I urge you strongly to be more careful in your answers when they concern Catholic doctrine. You are only helpful to the faith when you are absolutely accurate!

Answer 3

Listen up.

Papal infallibility refers to the office of the Pope when he teaches the Church on matters of faith and morality. The infallibility arises from the Holy Spirit. It doesn't refer to his personal opinion, nor does it claim that he is perfect. The pope is a sinful man like you and me. I think he goes to confession like once a week.

If the pope would wake up an atheist one morning, that doesn't mean the rest of the Church will do the same. In that instance, he would have separated himself from the Church by his atheism. The Church would then have to pick another pope.

The authority of the pope only exists as long as he remains in union with Christ. Period.

God bless.

Answer 4

Firstly, Papal Infallibility extends only to very rare and specific pronouncements, and only in matters of faith and morals (and not, for example, in ordinary intellect and matters of factual knowledge). Secondly, this infallibility comes from the guidance of the Holy Spirit (that is, God Himself), and therefore it is impossible to imagine that the Pope, though himself a mere man, would assume any of the hypothetical positions you suggest unless you are suggesting that God would wish those things, Himself.

Answer 5

I think the Pope has to be sworn to the Roman Catholic religion. Also, to be Pope, you have to be voted upon. Even if the people were forced to change religion, we Roman Catholics would stay true. The ones that want to anyay.

Answer 6

Pope John Paull II made a falliable error when hearing about all those priests involved in sex scandals he should of threw them all out including the Bishops that covered up for them.
Now last I heard 10 dioceses have filed for bankruptcy!
Where is the Pope now? Where is the Mother church at this point?Bankruptcy...that says alot especially spritual bankruptcy also.

Answer 7

This should answer your question:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_infallibility

Answer 8

they believe the pope is inflatable

Answer 9

Nobody is infallible.


VLR

Answer 10

Yes... yes, they do.