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calb1f
Guest
I work at a Catholic Newman Center, and a parishioner called our office today with this question. Does a retired Pope retain infallibility?
My answer was that I could not be certain but that I understood Papal Infallibility to be directly associated with the Chair of St. Peter. As the Pope-emeritus, Benedict XVI will not longer occupy the seat of Peter, and the title Pope-emeritius is an honory title only pointing to his previous position of Pope, but has no faculties of Pope associated with it.
At first I was fairly satified with my response, but on further reflection I wonder if that is in a way over secularizing the process.
I also told him that Papal Infallibilty has only been envoked two times in the history of the Church, and that regardless of correct answer Benedict XVI has made no infallible statements during his ponticifcate so it would seem highly doubtful if he would have any desire to do so after his retirement.
I appreciate and look forward to your response.
Cooperatores Veritatis
My answer was that I could not be certain but that I understood Papal Infallibility to be directly associated with the Chair of St. Peter. As the Pope-emeritus, Benedict XVI will not longer occupy the seat of Peter, and the title Pope-emeritius is an honory title only pointing to his previous position of Pope, but has no faculties of Pope associated with it.
At first I was fairly satified with my response, but on further reflection I wonder if that is in a way over secularizing the process.
I also told him that Papal Infallibilty has only been envoked two times in the history of the Church, and that regardless of correct answer Benedict XVI has made no infallible statements during his ponticifcate so it would seem highly doubtful if he would have any desire to do so after his retirement.
I appreciate and look forward to your response.
Cooperatores Veritatis