Independent Catholic resourceNot affiliated with Catholic Answers (catholic.com)
THECatholic AnswersFaith. Understood.
THE CATHOLIC ANSWERS COLLECTION

If the Popes are infallible, the laws of earlier Popes must be those of later Popes—yet the laws of the Catholic Church have varied.

21px
Ask about this article

It is not necessary that all the laws of earlier Popes must be those of later Popes. Infallibility concerns doctrine, and morals, not necessarily discipline. Disciplinary laws adapted to particular times change with the times.

Radio Replies Volume 1 by Rev. Dr. Leslie Rumble MSC and Rev. Charles Mortimer Carty

Keep the conversation thoughtful.

Historical language and viewpoints in the original collection are preserved. For current official teaching, consult the Catechism and the Holy See.

Report an error or ask the editor
FOLLOW THE THREAD

More to explore.

All articles
The Church2 min read

You claim, of course, that the Pope is supreme head of this organised hierarchy. Yet urns it not the Emperor Phocas who first gave the Pope his title and universal jurisdiction? History records this as having happened in 607 A.D.

It does not. It records that, at the request of the Pope, the Emperor made it illegal for any other Bishop to usurp the title which had always belonged to the Bishop of Rome. To forbid others to take a title which has ever been the rightful possession of one is not to confer the title upon that one. And if the Pope did not posse…

The Church1 min read

Many things show the utter futility of your infallible Pope’s blessings. Sixtus V. blessed the Armada9 yet it was destroyed as much by the wrath of Heaven as by the English leaders.

You mean by a storm. There is a great difference between the wrath of Heaven and the wrath of the heavens. On your principles every man who has ever suffered shipwreck or been drowned or struck by lightning is a wicked wretch and the victim of God’s anger. I am as happy as you are that the Armada failed, but I do not admit that …

KNOWLEDGE SHARED. FAITH STRENGTHENED.

Keep the door open.

Your optional contribution helps keep these resources free to read.

Support this independent site