Melchior Canus says, 'The Roman Pontiff succeeds by Divine right to Peter both in firmness of faith and in deciding controversies of religion;' and again, 'The Roman Pontiff in ending controversies of faith cannot err.'[1]
S. Alphonsus affirms, 'When the Pope speaks as universal Doctor, ex cathedra, that is, by the supreme authority to teach the Church, delivered to Peter, in deciding controversies of faith and morals, he is altogether infallible.'[2]
Hervæus says, 'The authority of declaring doubtful points in such matters belongs to the Pope, that is, in things pertaining to the natural or divine law;' and afterwards he adds, 'That his declaration ought to be held as true, so that it is not lawful to hold or to opine the contrary.'[3]
Gregory de Valentia adds, 'In him, whom the whole Church is bound to obey in those things which pertain to the spiritual health of the soul, whether they concern faith or morals, there is infallible authority for the judging questions of faith.' Again: 'Christ willed that after the death of Peter, some one should
- ↑ 'Romanus Pontifex Petro et in fidei firmitate et in componendis religionis controversiis divino jure succedit. Romanus Pontifex in fidei controversiis finiendis errare non potest.'—Melchior Canus, De loc. Theol. lib. vi. c. 4 and 7.
- ↑ 'Quum Papa loquitur tanquam Doctor universalis ex cathedra, nempe ex potestate suprema tradita Petro docendi Ecclesiam in controversiis fidei et morum decernendis, est omnino infallibilis.—S. Alphons. Lig. Opp. tom. i. lib. i. tract. 2, p. 135. Mechlin, 1845.
- ↑ Ad Papam pertinet auctoritas declarandi dubia in talibus, hoc est, in pertinentibus ad jus naturale vd divinum,' &c.—De Pot. Papæ, ii. col. 4. … 'Quod declaratio sua debeat haberi ut vera, ita quod non liceat oppositum tenere vel opinari."—De Potest. Papali, apud S. Anton. Roccab. Bibl. Pontif. tom. v. p. 66.
