determination to which we must inviolably adhere, put an end to doubts which arise concerning the Catholic faith; and that whatsoever he, by the authority of the keys delivered to him by Christ, determines to. be true, is true and Catholic; and what he determines to be false and heretical is to be so esteemed?'[1]
In the above passages we have infallibility personal, absolute, independent, without the Apostles, without the College of Cardinals, alone, apart from the Church, separate from Councils and from Bishops.
I am not aware of any modern writer who has used language so explicit and fearless.
We will now ascertain the scholastic meaning of these terms; and we shall see that they are in precise accordance with the definition of the Council.
You need not be reminded, Reverend and dear Brethren, of the terminology of Canonists in treating the subject of privileges.
A privilege is a right, or faculty bestowed upon persons, places, or things.
Privileges therefore are of three kinds, personal, real, and mixed.[2]
A personal privilege is that which attaches to the person as such.
A real privilege attaches either to a place, or to a thing, or to an office.
- ↑ 'Si credidisti et adhuc credis solum Romanum Pontificem, dubiis emergentibus circa fidem catholicam posse per determinationem authenticam cui sit inviolabiliter adhærendum, finem imponere et esse verum et Catholicum quidquid ipse auctoritate clavium sibi traditarum a Christo determinat esse verum; et quod determinat esse falsum et hæreticum sit censendum.'—Baronius, tom. xxv. ad ann. 1351, p. 529. Lucca, 1750.
- ↑ Reiffenstuel. Tit. de Privileg. lib. v. 34, 12.
