The POPE Encyclopedia
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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.
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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