The Purpose of the Papacy by John S. Vaughan
page 48 of 95 (50%)
page 48 of 95 (50%)
|
independence, with self-sufficiency for its basis, and rebellion for
its act, is _just what_ Sacred Scripture ascribes to Satan" (p. 230). True. And it is just the reverse of the disposition that Christ demands from all who wish to enter into His One Fold: for He declares with startling clearness that "unless we become as little children" (_i.e._, docile, submissive, trustful, etc.) "we shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven," which is His Church. * * * * * 5. Before proceeding further, it may be well here to draw a distinction between the Pope, considered as the _supreme_ ruler, and the Pope, considered as the _infallible_ ruler. The reigning Pontiff, whosoever he may be, is always the Supreme Ruler, the Head of the Church, and the Vicar of Christ; but he is not, on all occasions, nor under all circumstances, the infallible ruler. To guard against any mistake as to the meaning of our words, let us explain that infallibility is a gift, but not a gift that the Pope exercises every day, nor on every occasion, nor in addressing individuals, nor public audiences, nor is it a prerogative that can be invoked, except under special and indeed we may certainly add, very exceptional circumstances. And further--unlike other powers--it can never be delegated to another. The Pope himself is Infallible, but he cannot transfer nor communicate his Infallibility, even temporarily or for some special given occasion, to anyone else who may, in other respects, represent him, such as a Legate, Ambassador, or Nuncio. "Neither in conversation," writes the theologian Billuart, "nor in |
|