Introduction to Papal Infallibility

Papal infallibility, as defined by Pastor Aeternus from Vatican I, refers to the Pope's authority to declare dogmas without error when speaking ex cathedra, or 'from the chair' of St. Peter. This doctrine was established to provide certainty to the faithful about the truth of official teachings from the Roman Church. However, there has been significant debate regarding what constitutes an infallible statement and which papal declarations fall under this definition. The complexity surrounding the interpretation of papal infallibility leads to various perspectives on its application within the Church over time, making it a topic of considerable theological inquiry.