papal infallibility

noun

, Roman Catholic Church.

1. the dogma that the pope cannot err in a solemn teaching addressed to the whole church on a matter of faith or morals.

infallibility, papal

1. The belief of the Roman Catholic Church that the pope is kept by God from making a mistake when he speaks on a question of faith or morals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of papal infallibility¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

A small number of Catholics, including several men of learning and distinction, refused to accept Papal Infallibility.

From Project Gutenberg

Though he did not favour the dogma of Papal Infallibility he submitted as soon as it was defined.

From Project Gutenberg

No part of his book is more vigorous or picturesque than the chapter dealing with the proclamation of Papal Infallibility.

From Project Gutenberg

An attempt was made to get the papal infallibility acknowledged in the address.

From Project Gutenberg

That's the problem to the Englishwoman to whom good coffee is a mystery as unfathomable as original sin or papal infallibility.

From Project Gutenberg