The Charism of Infallibility: Re-Receiving Pastor Aeternus’ Teaching on Papal Infallibility in Light of Iuvenescit Ecclesia’s Teaching on Charismatic Gifts

Abstract

Abstract More than 150 years since Vatican I, the definition of papal infallibility continues to be a major obstacle in the work for Christian unity. In response to ecumenical and historical objections, Roman Catholic scholars have tended to downplay claims of a priori certainty by stressing the epistemological role of ecclesial reception. The present essay argues that this approach can be greatly strengthened through re-examining the decision of Pastor Aeternus to describe infallibility as a charism, particularly in light of the understanding of charisms found in Lumen Gentium and, more recently, Iuvenescit Ecclesia.