Anyone here believe in the infallibility of the Pope? How is that possible? Is it in the Bible?

I very highly respect any answer given by "Imacatholic2" but I have to respectively disagree with his answer where he says that the Bible says Peter was the first Pope. The word Pope is never found in the Bible and any representation to that affect is from interpretation.We could debate forever, and I am sure I would not convince him, nor would he convince me.

I am not a Catholic obviously, but I believe that the Pope is only infallible when he makes decisions concerning the church.

Added Later: I looked up the scripture quoted by imacatholic2 Matthew 18:18. Jesus said these words, but not just to Peter, he said them to the disciples. This scripture was taken out of context, to refer to Peter only. I am a little surprised.

+ Anyone here believe in the infallibility of the Pope?

Catholics (including me) believe that the Pope is infallible at closely defined times.

The Pope is only infallible when he, in union with the body of bishops, solemnly teaches that a doctrine as true. This is called "ex cathedra", literally meaning in Latin "from the chair".

At all other times the Pope can be just as wrong or sinful as you and me and be in need of forgiveness.

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 891: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3a...

+ How is that possible?

This is only possible through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit.

+ Is it in the Bible?

Yes.

This comes from the words of Jesus to Peter (the first Pope) and the Apostles (the first bishops), "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven" (Matthew 18:18) and "He who hears you hears me" (Luke 10:16).

+ He's selected in a political process right?

Not really. There is an election but no one runs for Pope and the Holy Spirit is asked to guide the cardinals in thier selection.

A Papal Conclave works like this:

• A pope dies and is buried

• The cardinals come to Rome for the conclave that will elect the new pope. The word conclave (Latin, *** • clavis, literally, "locked with the key") designates:

. • The place in a locked section of the Vatican where the cardinals under the age of eighty elect a new pope.

. • The actual gathering of the cardinals.

• The conclave begins 15 to 20 days after the pope's death.

• The cardinals pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit during a Mass

• The cardinals, sealed in the Sistine Chapel, vote every morning and afternoon.

• A two-thirds majority plus one is required for election for the first 30 ballots. After that, a simple majority is required.

• After each vote, they burn the ballots and add special chemicals to make the smoke white or black.

. • Black smoke means no new pope yet.

. • White smoke announces the election of a new pope.

• The cardinals may elect any baptized male they wish. There have been occasions in the past where they have elected a layman. After their election, the layman has to be ordained priest and bishop.

• They ask the one elected if he accepts. The moment he accepts, he is pope.

• The pope chooses his “Papal” name.

• Then the new pope is announced to the world.

For more information, see:

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/johnpauli...

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/JohnPaulI...

+ Is there a flash of incite the moment the white smoke goes up?

Of course. The Holy Spirit has just selected the next successor of Simon Peter, the shepherd of the Church.

+ Curious how that works for Catholics - Seriously want to know if you believe the Pope is the voice of God on Earth?

Kind of. But all Christians are the voice of God on Earth.

The Pope is the senior pastor of 1.1 billion Catholic Christians. The Pope’s main roles include teaching, sanctifying, and governing.

+ Does that just apply to some Popes?

No, this applies to all Popes, even the "bad" ones.

+ With love in Christ.

Catholics do not believe that the Pope is the voice of God on Earth or any representation of God on Earth. He is simply the leader of the Catholic Church- a spokesperson if you like.

Only Catholics can believe such garbage as popes being infallible. But then again, only Catholics can believe in popes. Incredible, how deluded they are.

May the Lord Jesus show mercy when He judges them for all of their false teachings.

The Pope is infallible in matters that pertain to faith and morale. Yes it's in the Bible. The power to bind and loose is given to the Church. The pope is the head of the Church.

the pope is still human. bound for mistakes and misjudgements. the bible said, everyone has fallen short of the glory of God. but the catholics put a high regard for the pope because experience and christianity wise he is somewhat wiser. it's like having an elder counsel in a tribe. just like primitive times.

I am catholic ; and no I never believe in the infallibility of the pope . For me he is the head of the church ; just like other politician are head of their country

Yes it is in the Bible. When Christ appointed the apostle Simon as the first Pope, He told him "whatsoever you bind upon earth is bound in heaven", a divine guarantee of truth in any officially binding teaching by the Pope. It works! Christ's holy Church has been united in belief, united in teaching and united in worship for 2,000 years, while unauthorized manmade denominational religion has been self-destructing since day one, not able to agree among themselves on any point of doctrinal teaching.

Peter wasn't infallible. He denied Jesus three times and was corrected by Paul.

Anyone here believe in the infallibility of the Pope? NO

How is that possible? ITS NOT

Is it in the Bible? NO