"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.
