Papal Infallibility
"Rome has spoken. The case is closed." - St. Augustine of Hippo ("Sermon 131," 4th century A.D.)
"All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to
say." - Luke 12:12
What the
Catechism of the Catholic Church says on "Papal Infallibility:"
889. "In order to preserve the Church in the purity of the faith
handed on by the apostles, Christ who is the Truth willed to confer on her a
share in his own infallibility. By a 'supernatural sense of faith' the
People of God, under the guidance of the Church's living Magisterium,
'unfailingly adheres to this faith.' [LG 12; cf. DV 10.]"
890. "The mission of the Magisterium is linked to the definitive
nature of the covenant established by God with his people in Christ. It is this
Magisterium's task to preserve God's people from deviations and defections and
to guarantee them the objective possibility of professing the true faith
without error. Thus, the pastoral duty of the Magisterium is aimed at seeing to
it that the People of God abides in the truth that liberates. To fulfill this
service, Christ endowed the Church's shepherds with the charism of
infallibility in matters of faith and morals. The exercise of this charism
takes several forms."
891. "'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. [LG 25; cf. Vatican Council I: DS 3074.] When the Church
through its supreme Magisterium proposes a doctrine 'for belief as being
divinely revealed,' [DV 10 # 2.] and as the teaching of Christ, the definitions
'must be adhered to with the obedience of faith.' [LG 25 # 2.] This
infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself. [Cf.
LG 25.]"
2035. "The supreme degree of participation in the authority of Christ
is ensured by the charism of infallibility. This infallibility extends as far
as does the deposit of divine Revelation; it also extends to all those elements
of doctrine, including morals, without which the saving truths of the faith
cannot be preserved, explained, or observed. [Cf. LG 25; CDF, declaration,
Mysterium Ecclesiae 3.]"
2051. "The infallibility of the Magisterium of the Pastors extends to
all the elements of doctrine, including moral doctrine, without which the
saving truths of the faith cannot be preserved, expounded, or
observed."
PRAYER
FOR THE CHURCH
We pray You, O almighty and eternal God! Who
through Jesus Christ have revealed Your glory to all nations, to preserve the
works of Your mercy, that Your Church, being spread through the whole world,
may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Your name. Amen.
CHURCH
BELIEFS & ISSUES
WHAT THE
EARLY CHURCH BELIEVED
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either from the King James Version or the Douay-Rheims Version of the Bible.
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