News Item: : A Word to the Wise
(Category: Torch of The Faith News)
Posted by admin
Wednesday 13 April 2016 - 09:20:55

St. John Fisher (1469 - 1535).

Given that the great English Martyr St. John Fisher quite literally gave his life to defend both papal primacy and the indissolubility of marriage, it is well worth hearing what he had to say about the possibility of papal error. (Note: This does not touch on examples of Papal Infallibility, which are made under the precise and rare conditions of ex cathedra).

''We certainly do not deny that popes can err, for they are men and therefore can fall unless they lean heavily upon divine helps. Supported by the latter, however, they undoubtedly are directed by the Holy Spirit in all decisions which concern the salvation of souls committed to them...

... But if perchance, because of human weakness they sometimes swerve from the right path, provided the error be grave and manifest, especially in the matter of faith, we do not deny that he can be admonished and made to return by the Church'' (Responsum of St. John Fisher).

St. John Fisher - Pray for us! 

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This news item is from Torch of The Faith
( http://www.torchofthefaith.com/news.php?extend.1286 )