THE
P RTAL
December 2015
Page 24
Infallible
Creeping or neo-Ultramontanism,
and pontifical inadvertency:
Geoffrey Kirk opens his mind for us
How infallible
is the Pope? That is not a trick question; still less an
attack on classic Catholic ecclesiology. It is a question which has become
more and more pressing as this pontificate unfolds.
There are two areas of concern.
neo-Ultramontanism
The first is creeping or neo-Ultramontanism (which,
curiously is a posture increasingly adopted by the
most liberal Catholics). When extremist Germans are
not advocating Anglican-style provincial autonomy,
they are claiming that the Pope can do anything, and
in particular can overturn any dogma they happen
currently to dislike.
pontifical inadvertency
The second is what one might call pontifical
inadvertency. Francis is keen to show pastoral
awareness and sensitivity (‘Mercy’, as the saying now
goes), and that is as good a thing in a Pope as it is in
a parish priest. But the two roles are observably and
necessarily different. The blind eye of a parish priest
is one thing; that of the Vicar of Christ is obviously
another.
Lutherans
In the loaded atmosphere of ecumenical encounter,
the Holy Father recently seemed to be turning a
question about Communion for Lutherans in the
Catholic Church back on the conscience of the
questioner. And the press were on to it in a flash. The
blogosphere was alive with impertinent conclusions.
Church’s magisterium, of which he is the custodian,
but not the arbiter.
scripture and tradition
The recent Synod of bishops on the family – which
has not yet run its course – has raised in some an
expectation that doctrine and discipline in the Catholic
Church is at the disposition of ‘democratic’ debating
chambers (the condition to which it has been reduced
in the Anglican Communion). But not so. That would
be a logical absurdity. The doctrine of the Catholic
Church is necessarily consonant with scripture and
consistent with the tradition.
Above the dome of St Peter’s, if memory serves, is the
Matthean formula, intended as a mnemonic for every
Pope: ‘Tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo
ecclesiam meam.’ (Thou art Peter, and upon this rock
I will build my church.) But, by way of a rider, it has
probably to be accompanied, in these dangerous days,
by another text.
The eightieth error in Pius IX’s syllabus has been
traduced by the soi-disant open-minded in every
generation since. But it is coming into its own in the
present pontificate; a denial that ‘the Roman Pontiff
can, and ought to, reconcile himself, and come to terms
with progress, liberalism and modern civilisation.’
The Pope does not – and cannot – make doctrine on
Pio Nono, be it noted, was at the time of his election,
the hoof. His competence is restricted to upholding the the candidate of the theological liberals.
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