About the Infallibility of the Pope
The question of papal infallibility is often the cause of many ambiguities. The issue is being discussed, for example, in the context of some of Pope Francis' statements. So, here is briefly an explanation on the subject.
The dogma of the infallibility of the Holy Father was formulated in 1870 at the First Vatican Council and proclaimed by Pius IX in the Constitution Pastor Aeternus: "With the consent of the Holy Council, we teach and define as a dogma revealed by God, that the Roman Bishop, when he speaks ex cathedra – i.e. when, in the office of pastor and teacher of all the faithful, by his supreme apostolic authority defines the church's obligation to learn in matters of faith and morals – by the care of God promised to him in the person of St. Peter the Apostle, he possesses the Infallibility in which the Divine Savior wanted to equip his Church in defining the doctrine of faith and morality."
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in turn, we read: " 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. When the Church through its supreme Magisterium proposes a doctrine "for belief as being divinely revealed, and as the teaching of Christ, the definitions "must be adhered to with the obedience of faith." This infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself. (891)
* So, we speak of papal infallibility when the Pope:
- First, he must express himself definitively, speaking as teacher of the whole Church,
- Second, with the intention of proclaiming the truth binding all believers,
- Third, the statement must be about faith and morals.
* So, are the statements of popes in the field of art, politics, regulation or sport part of such statements?
- No. And this is probably clear to everyone. Anyway - and this should also be obvious - in order for a papal statement to be considered infallible, all the conditions specified in the above conciliar definition must be met.
* So, does the privilege of infallibility apply when the Pope makes statements during an interview or a private conversation over coffee, commenting on questions of faith and morals?
- No. For these are not ex-cathedra statements.
* Do such statements include papal reflections that begin with the words "it seems right that" and concerning even important matters of faith?
- Also, not. For it is difficult to speak of any definitive term.
* Are we dealing with papal infallibility when it issues a document containing guidelines to be binding
on clergy in Latin America?
- No. It is not a teaching that would apply to the entire Church.
* Do popes often take advantage of this privilege of infallibility?
- No.
* When was the last time in recent times we had to deal with such statements?
- On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII formulated the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in his constitution “Munificentissimus Deus”.
During his ex-cathedra pontificate, John Paul II spoke only once in the encyclical Evangelium vitae, citing the authority of Peter and Paul, saying that abortion and euthanasia are deeply immoral acts.
* Was Papal Infallibility "invented" at the First Vatican Council?
- No. Papal infallibility, which was then solemnly defined, was a matter of faith from the beginning of the Church's existence
Until Tomorrow
fr. george