| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Pope and Arianism | Luis | Friday, November 5, 2004 |
Question: Hi Bro Ignatius, Here is one that has me stumped. If the Pope always had the last word when it came to matters of faith, why was there a vote by the bishops on whether to accept Arianism or not? Should not the Pope have decided on it, instead of it having been voted on? Thanks and God Bless. |
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| Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM+
Dear Luis: Arianism and many other heresies were condemned by calling a council. An ecumencial council of the bishops of the world who are in union with the Pope are also the Magisterium and have the authority to declare matters of faith and morals. The Pope must ratify their decisions however. Infallibility comes in three ways (abbreviated definitions): 1) the Pope speaking ex cathedra 2) the bishops of the world in union with the Pope declaring something infallible in an ecumenical counsel in concert with the Pope. 3) the ordinary magisterium in which a doctrine has been constantly taught over the centuries and repeated by the Magisterium in it ordinary teaching. God Bless, |
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