2007-10-02 12:38:27 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Catholic Church teaches that the Pope is infallible at closely defined times. She does not teach that the Pope knows everything (is omniscient).
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".
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.
For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 891: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art9p4.htm#891
With love in Christ.
2007-10-02 18:37:58 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Pope, as a person, isn't infallible. Nor is everything he says infallible. The Catholic Church has never believed this or taught this. It is a common misunderstanding among Protestants.
The Church exercises the charism of infallibility in two ways. The extraordinary way is exercised when the pope makes an ex cathedra pronouncement. The ordinary way is exercised when the Magisterium agrees on a matter of faith or morals as definitively to be held.
2007-10-02 19:45:26 · answer #2 · answered by Misty 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Infallibility is the inability to err in teaching revealed truth.
In Roman Catholic theology, only the actual act of teaching is properly called "infallible". For example, according to Roman Catholic dogma, Pope Pius IX's teaching regarding the Immaculate Conception was infallible; it is grammatically incorrect to say "the pope is [sometimes] infallible" or to say "the Immaculate Conception is infallible". Nonetheless, these phrases are frequently used in conversations or Catholic writings.
According to the First Vatican Council (1870-71) and as reaffirmed at Vatican II (1963-1965) the Pope is infallible when speaking ex cathedra on matters of faith and morals.
Infallibility does not refer to the inability to sin (impeccability), or to the personal holiness of a person, although it is occasionally misunderstood in that sense.
2007-10-02 19:47:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you read the scriptures, Jesus said that no one would know. The Pope is just another human who happens to be in a position of leadership of a particular faith. Being human, he too is fallible. There is a difference between God and man. So, if you are not right with the Lord, than today would be a good day to find Jesus, because you are not assured that there will be a tomorrow.
2007-10-02 19:47:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The doctrine of infallibility does not mean that the Pope is perfect in all things, or all knowing.
It means only that when he speaks Ex Cathedra (literally, 'From the Chair', indicating the Throne of Saint Peter) that the teaching is guaranteed to be sound, protected from error by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
2007-10-02 19:42:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Even the son of God does not know, so of corse the vicar of Chirst does not know either. He is still infallible tho'. Chirst gave Peter this power saying whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven giving him the "keys" to the kingdom.
2007-10-02 19:44:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Umm even His apostles didn't know and thats where the Catholics say the Pope's came from. but that doesn't mean the Pope is infallible.
2007-10-02 19:42:07 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
If the lutherens or protestans are correct then why cant they agree?
Infabillity of the pope is an outdated module. Originaly designed to hold the church together. A lot of american catholics view the pope as a man very close to god, but still a man.
I believe the wording is not infallible but that his word is final. Mucho difference.
and to mario.
*SLAP*
Theres no way he didnt exist atleast as a human being. Its hard to pull off a crucifixion without someone to crucify.
Not to mention the fact that he is listed in other sources. Other reliable sources. (outside the bible)
2007-10-02 19:44:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
No Christian, including the most devout Roman Catholic (and His Holiness himself) thinks that the Pope is God. Jesus said that nobody knows when He will be coming back. Anyone who claims to know when is a false prophet.
2007-10-02 19:43:34 · answer #9 · answered by Pagan Dan 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I think this is why they built their own observatory to watch for his signs in the heavens. Most likely for his return. If God or Jesus doesn't talk to the pope than who else? Are we there yet?
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003209849_observatory19.html
2007-10-02 19:54:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋