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Questions / The Church and the Pope

What is papal infallibility?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Catholic Answers

Video: Scott Hahn explains Papal Infallibility, Catholic Answers Live, published Jan 19, 2012. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: Not that the Pope can’t sin. When he solemnly defines a teaching on faith or morals as supreme pastor, he’s protected from error. CCC 891

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

The Pope enjoys infallibility when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful, he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine on faith or morals. CCC 891

Our words

It doesn’t mean the Pope can’t sin, can’t be wrong about the weather, or that every word he says is protected. It’s rare, specific, and about faith and morals.

Next step: Meet the popes

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Sources on this page

How we know · 1 Catechism paragraph
  1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 891 (official text on vatican.va).

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