Why is ecclesiastical infallibility necessary?

Apologetics Inspiration of the Holy Scripture
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So that the truth and unity promised by Christ remain permanently secured; otherwise, doctrine would remain relative.

  1. Christ’s promise: The Spirit of Truth leads the Church “into all truth” (John 16:13 NABRE).
  2. Meaning and scope: Infallibility is not an “omniscience bonus,” but a negative charism: In precisely defined acts (e.g., ex cathedra), the Holy Spirit protects from error in faith and morals—so that the flock has certainty.
  3. Magisterial testimony: Vatican I (Pastor aeternus; DH 3074) defines the conditions of papal infallibility; Dei Verbum 10 confirms the infallibility of the entire Magisterium under certain conditions.

Scripture (NABRE): John 16:13; Luke 10:16.

Fathers/Doctors: Leo the Great; Gregory the Great; Thomas Aquinas (ST II-II, q.1).