What does Infallibility mean: Infallibility is tied in a special way to the authority of the CATHOLIC CHURCH, i.e. the successor of the apostles and the successor of the chair of Peter our Holy Father; Pope Benedict who by no means is without sin, he is as human as one of us. He does not rely on any sort of amulet or magical incantation when an infallible definition is due. Unfortunately, most outsiders looking within the Catholic Church think that the Catholic parishioners believe the pope cannot sin. Which is not true as a practicing Catholic, we believe “Infallibility does not relate to the holiness or sinless-ness of the pope, nor does it mean that everything that the pope says or does in without error.” (ehow.com)
Here is a brief history on infallibility:
The roots of the doctrine of papal infallibility can be traced back to various Fathers of the Church, but was formally defined in 1870 by Pope Pius IX at the First Vatican Council. (ehow.com)
Here is a brief history on infallibility:
The roots of the doctrine of papal infallibility can be traced back to various Fathers of the Church, but was formally defined in 1870 by Pope Pius IX at the First Vatican Council. (ehow.com)
”Given these common misapprehensions regarding the basic tenets of papal infallibility, it is necessary to explain exactly what infallibility is not. Infallibility is not the absence of sin” (Papal Infallibility - Catholic.com).
One must also understand the doctrine and faith taught through the Holy Catholic and one/only Apostolic Church on earth is authentically one in the matter of faith and morals. One cannot deviate or form their own opinion on the matter of faith, doctrine and practices. According to the Vatican or the Magesterium the teaching authority of the Holy Catholic Church proclaim Christ’s doctrine infallibly. All Bishops under the authority of the Papacy maintain the bond of unity, while teaching and explaining the Holy Scriptures, disciplines, practices of faith and the Holy Sacraments.
“This authority is even more clearly verified when, gathered together in an ecumenical council, they are teachers and judges of faith and morals for the universal Church. Their definitions must then be adhered to with the submission of faith" (Lumen Gentium 25)” (Papacy Infallibility – Catholic.com)
“This authority is even more clearly verified when, gathered together in an ecumenical council, they are teachers and judges of faith and morals for the universal Church. Their definitions must then be adhered to with the submission of faith" (Lumen Gentium 25)” (Papacy Infallibility – Catholic.com)
Jesus knew that the Church he was leaving behind on earth to be led by humans his chosen Apostles were prone to sin; they as all humans had the tendency towards sin; if you see Peter who was told by our Lord that the Church will be built on him “Kepha” the Rock and “upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). This was the same Peter who denied Jesus three times. However, what did Jesus do after his resurrection, he (Jesus) asked Peter, do you love me “three times” (John 21 15:19), Jesus wanted to be sure that he (Peter aka “Kepha”) did not deviate from GODS plan what was in stored for him. “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15) and told him implicitly to “Feed my sheep….” John chapter 21 17:18. So, in other words it clearly shows Jesus gave us Papacy (Also, check out my blog on ChristKnights - Papacy keyword search “Pope”).
Jesus knew they (Apostles) needed his prayers and Holy Spirit, which he promised, would be their guide after Jesus’ return to the mighty throne. Jesus himself our Lord prayed for the soon to be leaders of the Church on earth “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail” Luke chapter 22:verse 32.
“Christ instructed the Church to preach everything he taught (Matt. 28:19–20) and promised the protection of the Holy Spirit to "guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13). That mandate and that promise guarantee the Church will never fall away from his teachings (Matt. 16:18, 1 Tim. 3:15), even if individual Catholics might” (Catholic.com)
What infallibility does do is prevents a pope from solemnly and formally teaching as "truth" something that is, in fact, error. It does not help him know what is true, nor does it "inspire" him to teach what is true. He has to learn the truth the way we all do—through study—though, to be sure, he has certain advantages because of his position.
Hope my friends in Christ this would clear the misconception about papal infallibility. All I ask for prayers for the successor of Peter; Pope Benedicts as he is leading Christ’s Church on earth, till the return of our MESSIAH. May GOD give him the grace and the blessing of the Holy Spirit to be the good shepherd. Amen.
Reference:
Papal Infallibilty – Catholic.com
Ehow.com – Infallibility - http://www.ehow.com/facts_5266799_infallibility.html
