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-   -   How many times has the pope spoken infalably from Peter' chair? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=290861)

  • Dec 11, 2008, 12:18 AM
    arcura
    How many times has the pope spoken infalably from Peter' chair?
    :confused:What were those?
    :confused:What was the occasion?
    :confused:What brought them about?
    :)Peace and kindness,:)
    Fred
  • Dec 11, 2008, 06:45 AM
    RickJ

    Since the declaration of Papal Infallibility (under VERY limited circumstances) in 1870 it's been used just once: In 1950 when Pope Pius XII affirmed the Assumption of Mary.

    Arguably, though, there were other times before the pronouncement in 1870...

    From what I've read, no two scholars agree on the exact number of Papal pronouncements that should be considered Infallible.
  • Dec 11, 2008, 02:41 PM
    arcura
    RickJ,
    Thanks for that.
    I have heard that there were 2 or 3 times, but I don't know what they were.
    Peace and kindness,
    Fred
  • Dec 12, 2008, 05:46 AM
    RickJ

    The "catch" is that the pronouncement affirms prior practice... even before the pronouncement... so that's where the debates lie: in confirming/affirming what pronouncements of previous popes should be considered ex cathedra.
  • Dec 12, 2008, 05:30 PM
    arcura
    RickJ,
    Thanks much for your answer.
    It helps somewhat.
    But what were the rulings that were spoken from ex-cathedra?
    Peace and kindness,
    Fred
  • Dec 12, 2008, 06:16 PM
    De Maria
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by arcura View Post
    RickJ,
    Thanks much for your answer.
    It helps somewhat.
    But what were the rulings that were spoken from ex-cathedra?
    Peace and kindness,
    Fred

    The Catholic Church doesn't officially define doctrine unless the doctrine is challenged. That is why the Church had not officially defined the doctrine of infallibility until the 19th century. Before then, it was taken for granted.

    Experts agree that these pronouncements are ex-Cathedra:

    The decree of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary:

    MUNIFICENTISSIMUS DEUS

    And that of her Immaculate Conception:

    Papal Definition of the Immaculate Conception

    But, since all Catholic doctrine is infallible anyway, it seems unnecessary to sift through 2000 years of history and figure out which Papal statements are infallible and which aren't.

    However, that might be a task you want to undertake. If you do, remember to include 1 and 2 Peter.

    :)

    Sincerely,

    De Maria
  • Dec 12, 2008, 06:28 PM
    Tj3
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by De Maria View Post
    The Catholic Church doesn't officially define doctrine unless the doctrine is challenged. That is why the Church had not officially defined the doctrine of infallibility until the 19th century. Before then, it was taken for granted.

    An earlier pope actually denounced the belief in papal infallibility, so it has not always been taken for granted even in your denomination.
  • Dec 12, 2008, 07:33 PM
    De Maria
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Tj3 View Post
    An earlier pope actually denounced the belief in papal infallibility, so it has not always been taken for granted even in your denomination.

    Actually, he denounced the idea that he wasn't infallible.

    A group of Franciscan brothers were told to change a house rule that Father Francis of Assissi had set up. They argued that the rule had stood for centuries since Father Francis had presented it to the Pope presiding at that time and it was approved.

    The Franciscan brothers argued the rule was protected by the infallibility of the previous Pope.

    But that isn't what infallibility is about. Any Pope can change the rules and disciplines of any branch of the Church. Infallibility has to do with teaching doctrine to the ecumenical Church. Not with ettiquette and procedure of a certain order within the Church.

    Sincerely,

    De Maria
  • Dec 12, 2008, 07:39 PM
    Tj3
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by De Maria View Post
    Actually, he denounced the idea that he wasn't infallible.

    A group of Franciscan brothers were told to change a house rule that Father Francis of Assissi had set up. They argued that the rule had stood for centuries since Father Francis had presented it to the Pope presiding at that time and it was approved.

    The Franciscan brothers argued the rule was protected by the infallibility of the previous Pope.

    But that isn't what infallibility is about. Any Pope can change the rules and disciplines of any branch of the Church. Infallibility has to do with teaching doctrine to the ecumenical Church. Not with ettiquette and procedure of a certain order within the Church.

    Sincerely,

    De Maria

    Actually, there is no evidence of belief in infallibility of anyone prior to that.
  • Dec 12, 2008, 08:21 PM
    De Maria
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Tj3 View Post
    Actually, there is no evidence of belief in infallibility of anyone prior to that.

    Pope Clement I: "Owing to the sudden and repeated calamities and misfortunes which have befallen us… Accept our counsel and you will have nothing to regret… If anyone disobeys the things which have been said by him [God] through us [that you must reinstate your leaders], let them know that they will involve themselves in transgression and in no small danger… You will afford us joy and gladness if being obedient to the things which we have written through the Holy Spirit, you will root out the wicked passion of jealousy…" (Letter to the Corinthians 1:1, 58:2-59:1,63:2[A.D.80]).

    Cyprian of Carthage: "Would the heretics dare to come to the very seat of Peter whence apostolic faith is derived and whither no errors can come?"(Letters 59 [55], 14)[A.D. 256]
  • Dec 12, 2008, 08:24 PM
    Akoue
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by De Maria View Post
    Pope Clement I: "Owing to the sudden and repeated calamities and misfortunes which have befallen us… Accept our counsel and you will have nothing to regret… If anyone disobeys the things which have been said by him [God] through us [that you must reinstate your leaders], let them know that they will involve themselves in transgression and in no small danger… You will afford us joy and gladness if being obedient to the things which we have written through the Holy Spirit, you will root out the wicked passion of jealousy…" (Letter to the Corinthians 1:1, 58:2-59:1,63:2[A.D.80]).

    Cyprian of Carthage: "Would the heretics dare to come to the very seat of Peter whence apostolic faith is derived and whither no errors can come?"(Letters 59 [55], 14)[A.D. 256]

    Also Augustine, Sermon 131: "Rome has spoken; the case is closed."

    See also Irenaeus, Adversus haereses 3.3.
  • Dec 12, 2008, 08:35 PM
    Tj3
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by De Maria View Post
    Pope Clement I: "Owing to the sudden and repeated calamities and misfortunes which have befallen us… Accept our counsel and you will have nothing to regret… If anyone disobeys the things which have been said by him [God] through us [that you must reinstate your leaders], let them know that they will involve themselves in transgression and in no small danger… You will afford us joy and gladness if being obedient to the things which we have written through the Holy Spirit, you will root out the wicked passion of jealousy…" (Letter to the Corinthians 1:1, 58:2-59:1,63:2[A.D.80]).

    This says nothing about infallibility.

    Quote:

    Cyprian of Carthage: "Would the heretics dare to come to the very seat of Peter whence apostolic faith is derived and whither no errors can come?"(Letters 59 [55], 14)[A.D. 256]
    This one seems quite elusive. I am trying to have a look at the reference in context.
  • Dec 12, 2008, 08:43 PM
    De Maria
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Tj3 View Post
    This says nothing about infallibility.

    Pope Clement I: "Owing to the sudden and repeated calamities and misfortunes which have befallen us… Accept our counsel and you will have nothing to regret

    Pope Clement speaks with confidence that his counsel will be correct.

    Quote:

    If anyone disobeys the things which have been said by him [God] through us
    Pope Clement believes God is speaking through him. It is reminiscent of what St. Peter said to Ananias:

    Acts 5
    4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

    Quote:

    [that you must reinstate your leaders], let them know that they will involve themselves in transgression and in no small danger… You will afford us joy and gladness if being obedient to the things which we have written through the Holy Spirit,
    Here he confirms that he believes the Holy Spirit is speaking through him.

    Quote:

    you will root out the wicked passion of jealousy…" (Letter to the Corinthians 1:1, 58:2-59:1,63:2[A.D.80]).
  • Dec 12, 2008, 08:48 PM
    Tj3
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by De Maria View Post
    Pope Clement speaks with confidence that his counsel will be correct.

    I could say the same when I read from scripture or if were to be given a word of knowledge from the Holy Spirit.
  • Dec 12, 2008, 09:12 PM
    De Maria
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Tj3 View Post
    I could say the same when I read from scripture or if were to be given a word of knowledge from the Holy Spirit.

    That is the basis of the Church's belief in the Pope's and the Church's infallibility.
  • Dec 12, 2008, 09:26 PM
    Tj3
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by De Maria View Post
    That is the basis of the Church's belief in the Pope's and the Church's infallibility.

    So it is akin to me declaring myself as infallible. Okay. I understand now.
  • Dec 12, 2008, 10:12 PM
    arcura
    De Maria,
    Again you are right in face of Tj3's errored beliefs.
    Peace and kindness,
    Fred
  • Dec 12, 2008, 10:19 PM
    Tj3
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by arcura View Post
    De Maria,
    Again you are right in face of Tj3's errored beliefs.
    Peace and kindness,
    Fred

    My beliefs come from an infallible and inerrant source.
  • Dec 12, 2008, 10:39 PM
    arcura
    Then WHY do YOU interpret some of it incorrectly??
  • Dec 12, 2008, 10:42 PM
    Tj3
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by arcura View Post
    Then WHY do YOU interpret some of it incorrectly????

    I don't interpret it - it interprets itself. I don't rely on men to interpret scripture. Who do you rely on?

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