The Church's teaching on Papal infallibility is generally misunderstood by non-Catholics and a goodly number of Catholics as well.
Oftentimes, "infallibility" is confused with the concept of "inpeccability". Many non-Catholics believe the Church teaches that the Pope cannot sin. Others find the teaching on infallibility to be related to the practice of the occult, thinking that the Pope utilizes some special or magical rituals when an infallible teaching is proclaimed.
Perhaps, it is helpful to explain that Papal infallibility is not the absence of sin or some magical utterance. And, even though the Pope enjoys this special gift (charism) individually, infallibility does not belong to the Holy Father alone. Infallibility also belongs to the College of Bishops (as a whole), whenever they profess a doctrine as true in union with the Pope himself.
The source of the dogma of Papal infallibility is Scriptural. Jesus promised the Apostles that He would be with them always and protect the Church from harm. (Luke 10:16 and Matthew 18:18)
The Fathers of Vatican II gathered in ecumenical council (the supreme expression of Church infallibility) reinforced this teaching of the Scriptures and declared that, even though bishops individually are not infallible, they proclaim Christ's teaching infallibly as they teach in union with the Pope and in unity among themselves. (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Paragraph 25)
However, infallibility belongs to the Pope individually in a special way as head of the College of Bishops . Again, the Council Fathers specified that the Pope enjoys this special gift by virtue of his office as Vicar of Christ. His teachings are true and without error not because the Bishops and the faithful agree or accept them as so. Rather, the Pope teaches without error because the teaching in and of itself is pronounced with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, an assistance promised to the Pope as the Successor of Saint Peter. (Matthew 16:17-19; John 21: 15-17; Luke 22: 32)
However, infallibility belongs to the Pope individually in a special way as head of the College of Bishops . Again, the Council Fathers specified that the Pope enjoys this special gift by virtue of his office as Vicar of Christ. His teachings are true and without error not because the Bishops and the faithful agree or accept them as so. Rather, the Pope teaches without error because the teaching in and of itself is pronounced with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, an assistance promised to the Pope as the Successor of Saint Peter. (Matthew 16:17-19; John 21: 15-17; Luke 22: 32)
Some deride Papal infallibility asking how the Pope can teach without error, given the examples of some Popes who lived scandalous lives. Papal infallibility is no assurance that an individual Pope will not sin or give scandal. Others refer to the fact that Popes have sometimes disagreed with or reformed the practices of their predecessors. It must be noted, however, that in no case have any reforms or disputes been based upon official teachings in matters of faith and morals, but only with regard to disciplinary decisions or unofficial comments regarding the practice of the faith.
Pope's do have personal opinions. These should be seriously considered and received with respect. However, these opinions remain the personal judgments or insights of the Holy Father and are not infallible. Only what the Pope solemnly defines as infallible teaching is to be considered an article of faith that is true and without the possibility of error.
It is the Holy Spirit who is the source of this truly blessed and sacred grace which guarantees that the Church and all who proclaim her teachings pass on the truths of the Lord Jesus free from defilement or error from generation to generation until He comes again. Papal infallibly is yet another sign of how Jesus so beautifully provides for the members of His Body, the Church.
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