Papal Infallibility Declared by Vatican Council
July 18th, 1870
July 18th, 1870

How Long Ago?
154 years, 7 months, 25 days ago
Location
Vatican City
Category
Religion & Philosophy
People
- Pope Pius IX
- Cardinal Giovanni Maria Mastai Ferretti
- Cardinal Henry Edward Manning
- Archbishop Franz Joseph von Hofstätter
Links & References
Tags
Papal Infallibility Declared by Vatican Council
The First Vatican Council ratified the dogma of papal infallibility, asserting that the Pope is incapable of error when proclaiming doctrine related to faith and morals. This declaration, achieved on July 18, 1870, during the council's fourth session, established significant theological foundations for the Catholic Church's governance. Pope Pius IX played a crucial role, emphasizing the importance of this doctrine in maintaining doctrinal unity amidst external challenges. The vote was 533 in favor and 2 against, showcasing overwhelming support among the bishops present.
Vatican I concluded on July 18, 1870.
533 bishops voted in favor of papal infallibility.
Papal infallibility impacts church governance.
The doctrine addresses modern challenges to faith.
What Happened?
The First Vatican Council, held in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome from 1869 to 1870, was initiated by Pope Pius IX to address contemporary issues of the Church and modern society. One of the key outcomes of this council was the definitive affirmation of the dogma of papal infallibility. This doctrine specifies that the Pope, when speaking ex cathedra, or 'from the chair' of Saint Peter, is preserved from error in defining doctrines related to faith and morals. The council’s leaders, including prominent bishops and theologians, debated the implications of this declaration vigorously, as it posed significant ramifications for the governance of the Catholic Church. During the fourth session on July 18, 1870, a decisive vote led to the formal declaration of the doctrine with 533 votes in favor and merely 2 against, highlighting the strong consensus among the bishops. The ruling was viewed as crucial for asserting the Pope's authority, particularly in the face of rising skepticism towards organized religion and numerous challenges from modern philosophies and socio-political movements. The declaration led to an affirmation of the Pope’s supreme authority and played a pivotal role in the Catholic Church’s response to rapid modernization and secular influences in the 19th century. The backdrop of the council included the unification of Italy and the diminishing temporal power of the Papacy, spurring a need for papal centrality in doctrinal matters. The Council of Trent had already established foundational religious principles; however, the declaration of papal infallibility brought a new level of doctrinal clarity and assertiveness amid growing tensions in Europe, particularly from rationalist thought and revolutionary movements. This momentous decision is considered a touchstone in Catholic dogmatic theology, solidifying the Pope's role both as a spiritual leader and as a point of unity for the universal Church.
Why Does it Matter?
The declaration of papal infallibility had profound effects on Catholicism and Christianity as a whole. It shifted the perception of papal authority, reinforcing the Pope's position as the supreme leader of the Church, and influenced the relationship between church and state during a time of increasing secularization. This dogma fortified the Church's response to modernist challenges and established a framework for addressing theological disputes well into the 20th century.
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