The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-28

universal church? How is it that we Cath
ones do not seem to be included under that
commandment which forbids to bear false
witness? 1t must be because we are the
followers of Him who said The disciple is
not l above mis- master nor the servant above
resented in our doctrine by our separated
brethren. who receive their information sec
ond-handed, but how can we excuse that
persistent Misrepresentation and lies on the
part of those who assume the role of teach
ers of others, and who seem to be unable
to state the truth about us. either in pulpit
or press? Let me state briefly what we do
not believe and yet what these parties are
constantly asserting, falsely, of course we
We do not believe that the Pope cannot
sin. 1nfallibility and impeccability are two
entirely different things. The Pope of to-
day is no more than the first pope, ST.
Peter, who could sin both before and after
he became Pope. He is a son of Adam,
any other man. The infallible Pope is not
necessarily holy or sinless Pope. TO
deny free will in God and man is distinct
blasphemy. taught by the reformers, but
never by the Catholic Church. Infallibiity
belongs to the gifts of grace which God
imparts to the Popes not directly for their
own salvation, but for the good of their
fellow-men. We do not believe that the
Pope is infallible in temporal affairs hence
stitutions of states, etc, carry with them
only the weight or private personal author
lty. or course, If something Is commanded
or forbidden contrary to the laws of God
the tn d Pope would as he is certainly bound
II,
would do this, not by reason of his in
fallibility, but head of the church. In
this capacity he is bound to watch over the
salvation of the faithful and to prevent to
the utmost the violation of divine law. For
he must uphold the principle that must
obey God rather than men. We do not be-
lieVe that the Pope is infallible in natural
and profane or secular sciences. The Pope
let's the scientific men settle their own dis
putes so long as they keep within their
proper sphere If they go outside and in
fringe upon revealed truth again it is the
PopeS duty, not because infallible. but be-
cause he is the head of the church. to raise
his voice and condemn their errors. He Is
the guardian of the deposit of faith, which
must be kept pure and undetiled. We draw
a line of distinction between the sovereign
Pontiff. viewed in his private and individual
capacity and viewed in his public and Off
cial action. We do not mean that the Pope
is the most learned of all men, that every
thing he does is the wisest and most
judicious that could be done; we do not
mean that whatever he says as a preacher.
necessarily free from error We do not
mean that the Pope may not fall in sin.
He reciteS the confiteor during the holy
mass like any other priest-lke any other
Catholic, he walks into the holy tribunal
of penance. declares his sins to confess
sor and asks for absolution. But we do be-
lieve that the Pope is infallibe when he
speaks ex cathedra-that is. when in his
official capacity. as head of the church and
representative of Jesus Christ, he defines,
concerning faith and morals, something
binding on the universal church. Three
things constitute 1n1alnDlnty: nrSt, tne
Pope muse speak in his official capacity;
second. his decisions must touch faith and
morals; third, his decision must be for the
whole church. Do not confound the laws
of the church with it's doctrinal decisions,
or in other words discipline with faith.
Faith is invariable as truth is one. but DIS
cipline can and should be adapted to the
necessities of the time.
There must be an infallible authority in
religion. Without faith it is impossible to
please God But faith is the firm assent of
the mind to revealed truth. excluding all
doubt The moment I conceive the posi-
bility of its being otherwise l have no
longer faith, but mere opinion. Religion
must be one, and Interchangeable, because 1t
is truth which in it's very essence is one,
indivisible and unchangeable as God him
self How can unity of belief be main
tanned without an authority whose decisions
are peremptory and without appeal and
consequently of strict obligation. Now this
authority will be invaluable or not; if not it
is tyrannical in effect and degrading to
those upon whom it imposes itself. To be
conformabe to our reason and dignity 1t
must be infallible'