Sometimes it can be confusing for Catholics, deciphering when the pope is expressing an opinion and when he is speaking with infallible authority.
In an age when the pope's words are broadcast all over the world immediately after he says them, it can be tempting to think that everything he says is part of what is known as "the deposit of faith" -- that is, the teachings of Christ that the Church guards and protects.
The reality is that the majority of the pope's statements, interviews, and speeches do not belong to the Catholic Church's deposit of faith.
If the pope offers a comment on certain events, what he says is certainly worthy of attention, but it does not require a Catholic's act of faith.
What is papal infallibility?
In the Catholic Church, the pope is the visible leader and Catholics believe that in particular circumstances, what he says or writes is "without error." This is what's called "papal infallibility."
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains precisely what this means:
"The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful - who confirms his brethren in the faith he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals...When the Church through its supreme Magisterium proposes a doctrine "for belief as being divinely revealed," and as the teaching of Christ, the definitions "must be adhered to with the obedience of faith." This infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself. (CCC 891)
The belief in papal infallibility is connected to the promise of the Holy Spirit's protection of the Church. It's why this paragraph is situated within "Chapter Three - I Believe in the Holy Spirit."
The Holy Spirit guides the pope and prevents him from ever making an official proclamation that changes an article of faith.
For example, the pope could never take it upon himself to proclaim that Baptism is no longer one of the seven sacraments.
Papal infallibility should never be confused with "papal impeccability," a false idea that the pope is unable to sin or make a mistake.
Only Jesus and the Virgin Mary were "without sin." The pope, however holy he may be, can sin and make mistakes while he is in office.
However, he will never make an official proclamation that goes against the deposit of faith that has been passed on for centuries.
Above all, this is good news, as we can rest assured that the Catholic faith will never change in its essence. The Holy Spirit will never let that happen.
