This week in Christian history: Isaac Watts born, Tammy Faye Bakker dies, papal infallibility

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Sunday, July 17, 2022

Catholic Church official recognizes ‘Papal Infallibility’ – July 18, 1870

Pope Pius IX, born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, who reigned as head of the Roman Catholic Church from 16 June 1846 to his death in 1878. He convened the First Vatican Council. | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when Catholic Church leaders at the First Vatican Council voted to formally recognize a teaching commonly known as "papal infallibility."

Also called the "infallible teaching authority of the Roman Pontiff," papal infallibility contends that, under specific official circumstances, the pope cannot err on matters of faith.

A controversial position of the Church, especially among Protestants who believe that it elevates the pope to godlike status, papal infallibility has only been invoked twice since the 1800s.

These two instances involve Pope Pius IX declaring that the Virgin Mary was born sinless (also known as the “Immaculate Conception”) and Pope Pius XII declaring that Mary was assumed into Heaven rather than dying a natural death.

In addition to being a reporter, Michael Gryboski has also had a novel released titled The Enigma of Father Vera Daniel. For more information, click here.

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