Papal Infallibility

Papal Infallibility

Pope (father) is now normally used of the bishop of Rome as head of Roman Catholicism, and 'Vicar of Christ' on earth (though it is also a title of the Patriarch of Alexandria). His authority is held to descend from Jesus Christ through the Apostle Peter as first bishop of Rome. Orthodox theologians, however, interpret the biblical Petrine texts to refer to the Episcopal office rather than the papacy. Roman authority in the West over doctrine and jurisdiction developed early, and some medieval Popes claimed wide powers over secular rulers. The Vatican City still gives the Pope status as ...