Papal Infallibility is a doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church that asserts that the Pope, under certain conditions, is preserved from the possibility of error when he solemnly declares or defines a doctrine concerning faith or morals to be held by the universal Church. Here's a detailed overview:
Historical Context
- The concept of papal infallibility has roots in early Christian thought, but it was not formally defined until the 19th century.
- The idea was discussed at the First Vatican Council in 1869-1870, where it was officially defined as dogma in the document Pastor Aeternus.
Conditions for Infallibility
According to the doctrine, the Pope is infallible when:
- He speaks ex cathedra (from the chair), meaning he is acting in his capacity as the supreme pastor and teacher of all Christian faithful.
- The doctrine concerns faith or morals.
- He intends to declare or define a doctrine definitively.
- The declaration is made to the whole Church.
Instances of Infallible Declarations
There are very few instances where a Pope has exercised this authority:
Controversies and Discussions
- The doctrine was not universally accepted at the time of its definition, with some bishops and theologians arguing against it or abstaining from the vote at the Council.
- It remains a point of contention with other Christian denominations like the Orthodox Church and various Protestant churches, who do not recognize the infallibility of the Pope.
Theological Basis
The theological foundation for papal infallibility includes:
- The belief in the divine protection of the Church from error in matters of doctrine.
- The role of the Pope as the successor of Saint Peter, to whom Christ gave the keys of the kingdom, symbolizing authority and infallibility (Matthew 16:18-19).
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