ethinking papal infallibility?

[Denise]

From Catholic Culture

Part of the Church’s current emphasis on synodality clearly has the cause of Christian unity in mind, especially with the Orthodox. With recent papal/Vatican news stories highlighting that Synodality should be a permanent model for the Church, and yesterday’s Vatican gathering for lay leaders for synodality and mission, and the new Vatican study document suggesting a fresh look at papal primacy along with Cardinal Koch’s discussion of the reformulation of that dogma, it may be time to stress that these issues ought not to be alarming if we have a proper understanding of “synodality”.

That’s why I’ve written: In the midst of confusion: Rethinking the “synodal way”.
https://www.catholicculture.org/comment ... nodal-way/

Meanwhile, Phil Lawler has discovered, assessed and put our minds at rest concerning A new—and potentially explosive—dubium about the validity of Holy Orders.
https://www.catholicculture.org/comment ... ve-dubium/

[MarieT]

Teaching on the matters:

Magisterium - consists of Pope and Bishops in hierarchical communion with him. They may teach in a variety of ways but do so most solemnly in a joint action.

The pope may teach alone as the head of the Church and for Bishops on questions of Doctrine.

Differing degrees of authority exist for the Magisterium.

The College of Bishops - deep roots to Patristic times. Some theologians exult the authority of the Pope in a way that makes appear Bishops have no authority - this is not the case.

Vatican I
Dei Filius - binding authority of the ordinary and universal Magisterium (DS3051) and in Pastor Aeternus affirmed the unity of the episcopate under the Pope as its primary unity

Fidei Donum (1957)

attribution of responsibility for apostolic Church mission to the whole body of Bishops.

Vatican II
Lumen Gentium doctrine of the Collegiality is the linchpin of the Episcopate theology.

Together all succeed the College of the Apostles in the processing of full and supreme power of the universal church.


Bishops in Groups
The College is indivisible.

Synod of Bishops
one of the main principles of Collegiality

A small number of Bishops meeting for a restricted time.
It cannot perform strictly collegial acts because the others are missing
Its purpose is to assist the pope for the entire church

The Pope summarizes the findings by writing a Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation

The exact ecclesial status of the Synod of Bishops is still "in flux" and debated by experts.

Fallibility versus Infallibility

It is very important to highlight this because some come away with the notion that the pope can say no wrong.

Vatican II
"The object of infallibility extends to all those things and only to those , which only directly pertain to the deposit itself or are required in order that the same deposit may be religiously safeguarded and faithfully expounded."

nb/ deposit refers to the "Deposit of faith" consisting of the Tradition through Oral means and the Sacred Scriptures handed down as the Revelation of God to his people. This is what is infallible.

The Magisterium are the bishops succeeded from the Apostles - with the role to SAFEGUARD the Deposit of Faith or Revelation that God has given, which is infallible.

A key element is collegiality......the Pope and his bishops in union. When in Union, the indivisible power of the Holy Spirit abides.

The first role of the Magisterium is to ensure that the faith that was ONCE AND FOR ALL entrusted is maintained in its integrity.

The second role is to faithfully interpret it within the tradition to ensure it is maintained and handed on faithfully.

Papal infallibility is a concept that has misconceptions.

Some take this to mean that the Pope cant be wrong - not true

Infallibility rather is the Doctrine about the Church, not the Pope.

It is a belief that through the teaching office of Peter, the Church will not fail to proclaim the Gospel.

So, the infallibility of the Pope refers more to the teaching on matters of faith and morals.

Further, infallibility extends to the solemn definitions of Doctrine that the pope speaks ex cathedra - from the Chair of Peter...as his successor

It DOES NOT include the pope's personal views on faith and morals.

This is getting rather long....much more to say....but for further reading, a good source is "Magisterium" by Cardinal Dulles
It was a recommended book by those of us who studied Ecclesiology.

[MarieT]

I havent read the links but thought to just give an explanation of the terms regarding the magisterium and infallibility, pope etc

[Denise]

thanks! A thought here. If the Bishops have the same authority as the pope then Bishop Strickland can go back to his Diocese and Cardinal Burke can return to his apartment in Rome, yadda, yadda, yadda. They can decide on their own. Also a Bishop could allow Latin Mass in their own See. Getting more strange by the day at the top.

[MarieT]

It must be said that this papacy from the outset has caused much confusion and uncertainty, hence the Dubia's presented to the Francis to respond to - when he made questionable commentaries.

BENEDICT XVI 'SURPRISED' FRANCIS IGNORED DUBIA

Regarding Bp Strickland's sudden removal - protocol was not followed which adds to the seriousness.

Regarding Card. Burke - he was removed to silence him from interfering in francis' agenda. No one removes a highly ranked Vatican Theologian and Canon Law lawyer and relocates him to a tiny island like Malta (no offense to our Maltese communities...its a beautiful country) but just to highlight....the move was obvious and to silence him and send far away).

The Bishops have jurisdiction over their own territory. That is why when a supernatural phenomenon such as the appearance of the Blessed Mother or Saints or Jesus or Eucharistic miracles, the first response is from the Local Ordinary - Bishop of the area - Rome normally doesnt get involved (except in the Medj case because the alleged seers want to keep pushing their franchise that sees them most rich) and many keep pressing...

Francis is also a bishop......he is the Bishop of Rome.
But holding the position of Pope in the chair of Rome, allows him in extreme circumstances to exercise authority.

Removing or relocating High ranked Cardinals or Bishops with more experience than he, to silence them because they dont agree with him is highly unethical and an insult to the Chair of Peter.

There was a meeting in Rome just after Francis commenced his papacy -
No one can remove the Pope because he is the highest See....but......a pope can remove himself by preaching heresy

The many gathered high ranking cardinals, theologians, etc found that he was preaching heresy but to keep the calm and avoid scandal on the church....and because francis was getting on in years and had serious health issues.....they believed better to pray and leave it in God's hands...

While Pope Benedict was alive, francis was set straight (off the record).......but as with all popes....their time does come to an end eventually
I believe that Card Burke, Bp Strickland and all others that were removed (including Cardinal Sarah forced to take retirement) will be reinstated.

God knows and has this in control
He is so merciful and giving those that are interfering with the church, time to reconcile and return to God.

[Denise]

Vatican’s ‘Bishop of Rome’ Document Has an ‘Ivory Tower’ Feel

https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries ... e=hs_email

[MarieT]

...detailed reporting on recent theological developments with proposals that ignore the major ecclesial developments of the last few years.

all francis' "reforms"

[Johnna]

I believe that Card Burke, Bp Strickland and all others that were removed (including Cardinal Sarah forced to take retirement) will be reinstated.

God knows and has this in control
He is so merciful and giving those that are interfering with the church, time to reconcile and return to God.

I hope and pray this is so.