The POPE Encyclopedia

by Matthew Bunson

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PAPAL INFALLIBILITY

 
The special freedom from  all  error  in  teaching  that  is
possessed by the Pope when he makes a formal proclamation on
a matter concerning faith or morals.  The  infallibility  of
the  Supreme Pontiff was first officially defined by Vatican
Council I (1869-1870) under Pope Pius IX. One  of  the  most
misunderstood  and  even  exaggerated  rights  of  the  Holy
Father,  infallibility  is  actually  governed  by  specific
requirements  and  areas of competence. The pontiff can only
speak infallibly when he does so ex cathedra,  meaning  that
he  formally  declares  some  teaching  to  be  unchangeably
correct and that he stands as shepherd of the Church and not
as  a private theologian giving his opinion; further, he may
only speak infallibly on matters of faith and morals.  Thus,
the old charge that the pope tried to speak infallibly about
the nature of the solar system in the time of Galileo is not
correct.  The  popes  use  their power of infallibility with
much care and only after  extended  study,  reflection,  and
prayer.

(sebelum, sesudah)


THE POPE ENCYCLOPEDIA - Matthew Bunson
Published by Crown Trade Paperbacks
201 East 50th Street, New York
New York 10022, USA
ISBN 0-517-88256-6
 

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