Did this apply to prior popes?
2007-08-30 07:25:38 · 13 answers · asked by Graham 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm not understanding how you can be infallible on teaching morals and not be perfect. Pope Honorius I was found guilty of heresy, and then called anathema by Pope Leo II. Are you supposed to accept all their teachings unquestioned even when they question each other?
2007-08-30 07:37:49 · update #1
The infallibility question rests on the whole idea of un-interrupted succession from Peter. Around the time of Pope Benedict IX, there was a whole controversy about his "irresolute" life and morals. The papcy was actually sold at one point, with rival popes ex-communicating each other. This doesn't give you pause to re-consider their legitimacy?
2007-08-30 07:54:05 · update #2
I sense a follow-up question waiting in the wings ...
... but to answer this one: Yes. And yes.
Great popes, mediocre popes, pastoral popes, innovative popes, peacemaking popes, pious popes, corrupt popes, weak popes, strong popes, all of 'em. Right back to Peter. By your question I assume you also understand that contrary to popular misconception, papal infallibility doesn't mean a pope can do no wrong.
2007-08-30 07:44:45 · answer #1 · answered by Clare † 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Papal Infallibility was just made official in 1870, the Church has believed this since the time of Saint Peter.
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).
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 is called "ex cathedra", literally meaning in Latin "from the chair".
At all other times the Pope can be just as wrong or sinful as you and me and be in need of forgiveness.
For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 891: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art9p4.htm#891 and http://www.catholic.com/library/Papal_Infallibility.asp
With love in Christ.
2007-08-31 00:45:02 · answer #2 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Papal Infallibility is only on very specific things and is used rarely, it does not apply to everything that the pope says or decrees. In fact the last pope only issued information that was infallible a handful of times.
2007-08-30 14:34:43 · answer #3 · answered by Michelle R 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The Holy Spirit given by Christ Himself insures infallibility on teachings of faith and morals even if the Pope is in sin.
2007-08-30 14:47:16 · answer #4 · answered by Gods child 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was a Catholic for 15 years before becoming Agnostic. I never thought that a human being could be infallible.
2007-08-30 14:41:22 · answer #5 · answered by Professor Farnsworth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Papal infallibility has applied to every Pope since Christ told Simon Peter, "whatsoever you bind upon earth is bound in heaven", and "I give to you the keys to my Kingdom". This one charism is the principle reason for the unity of God's Holy Church.
Jesus told us the truth would set us free. Therefore He obviously must have provided a means by which we can know the truth with objective certainty. Just as obviously, reading and self-interpreting the Bible is not that means, since those who follow that manmade tradition inevitably fall deeper and deeper into the doctrinal chaos of denominationalism, in direct violation of the stated will of God, "that they all may be ONE". Jesus knew that we cannot have truth without unity, and that we cannot have unity without true authority. The teaching authority given by Him to the Apostle Simon, with the divine guarantee of truth that it carries, is the key to Christian unity, and therefore the key to Christian truth.
2007-08-30 14:34:50 · answer #6 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes. On issues of faith and morals when spoken ex cathedra. This doesn't happen often! Impeccability and infallibilty are two very different things, but you seem to think that one must go hand in hand with the other.
2007-08-30 16:12:41 · answer #7 · answered by SigGirl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I do not.
The pope is still a man. The Church is still a creation of Man. As such they are still subject to the failings of man.
2007-08-30 14:45:12 · answer #8 · answered by PoliPino 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When teaching on faith and morals, yes.
That does not mean that the Pope is perfect, or that he can't sin himself.
Peace be with you.
2007-08-30 14:32:34 · answer #9 · answered by C 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I dont believe any human being is infallible
2007-08-30 14:33:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋