If this is what they believe then do they believe that he was born infallable (like the Dalai Lama) or became this way after becoming a priest?
2007-04-02 08:11:19 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, and yes.
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.
2007-04-03 06:22:58 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No the Pope is not sinless he is a human being trying to make his way the best he can like everyone else.
The doctrine of infallibilty is actually one of the most misunderstood doctrines there is. The Pope himself is not infallible as a person or even as a Pope. The office of Pope is infallable ONLY when it speaks specifically on doctrine of Catholic faith and morals and then only when specific criteria has been met. It must be spoken officially and go through servarl councils of bishops to be declared as an infallable teaching.
There have only ever been two teachings on faith declared infallibly and never any on any moral doctrine. There is a BIG difference between what he says and thinks and what is determined infallible. Also infallible only means Catholics in communion with the Roman Church are obliged to follow it.
2007-04-02 08:24:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Catholics believe that when the Pope teaches on doctrine regarding faith and morals, that he is guided by the Holy Spirit in the Truth. Being guided by the Holy Spirit, what the Pope teaches on faith and morals is free from error. This is called infallibility.
The Pope is considered infallible because he is guided by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit would not deceive His people by telling the Pope something wrong.
In no way is the Pope considered sinless. In fact, the Pope goes to a confessor and confesses his sins on a weekly basis.
2007-04-02 08:30:46 · answer #3 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND INFALIBILITY!
Sorry to put that in caps- but I wanted your attention!
Papal infalibility only covers when the pope is teaching on matters of FAITH and MORALS.
That's it. No other situations. And it makes sense, because Jesus Christ Himself pronounced Peter ( the first pope) as head of the Church, and the promised that the gates of Hell would not prevail against that Church.
We KNOW Peter was a big screw-up....so why did Jesus pick HIM???
No man- other than Christ- is sinless. So papal infallibility is a charism that goes along with the title of Bishop of Rome ( Pope) to protect the Church from teaching error.
Completely Biblical.
2007-04-02 12:07:47 · answer #4 · answered by Mommy_to_seven 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Infallible in matters of faith....yes.
Sinless....no!
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. And no he was not born infallible, it is the office of Pope that makes him infallible, because God gave him that authority.
God bless,
Stanbo
2007-04-02 08:22:44 · answer #5 · answered by Stanbo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No.
The pope has never been claimed to be without sin. Jesus and Mary alone had that distinction, and Mary only as a special dispensation so she could be the vessel of Jesus's incarnation.
Infallibility does not mean the pope's every word is true. It applies only in very specific circumstances, when the pope speaks "Ex Cathedra", or literally, "From the Chair [the Throne of St. Peter]". This Ex Cathedra can only occur after a conclave (gathering of all bishops) and the unity of the Church coming to agreement with the available information and the interpretation.
Infallibility is so rare that in 2000 years... you could count the number of times it has been invoked on a single hand... with a few fingers amputated.
2007-04-02 08:16:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
No that is far from correct. The belief is that when he speaks on Church doctrine he is infallible. Which only stands to reason. It is his doctrine. He must then speak Ex Cathedra. Very few Pope's have ever done this. It is rare. No one believes he is sinless. Just less prone to it.
I am sorry you think so low of us. But maybe this will help you understand. If not. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
2007-04-02 08:16:03 · answer #7 · answered by Jim R 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
We Buddhists do NOT believe His Holiness the Dalai Lama is infallible in ANYTHING... where on EARTH did you get THAT one? Also, on behalf of Catholics... they don't believe the pope is 100% infallible... ONLY on matters of the doctrine of FAITH.
_()_
2007-04-02 08:16:46 · answer #8 · answered by vinslave 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm not Roman Catholic, but I believe that the Pope is considered infallible pertaining to interpretation of scripture. He wasn't born this way, but receives the gift when he becomes Pope
2007-04-02 08:16:38 · answer #9 · answered by Deus Luminarium 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The pope is only infallible in matters of the magisterium not in all areas he might speak to.
The pope is not sinless he has a confessor.
2007-04-02 08:14:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋