La Leçon de catéchisme (Catechism Lesson), 1890, by Jules-Alexis Muenier (1863-1942), oil on canvas, Musée des beaux-arts et d’archéologie de Besançon

Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.”

cf. 1 Peter 3:15-16

catechesis

A daily morsel of Catholic education and faith formation.

Papacy

Infallibility

QUESTION OR COMMON OBJECTION:

Galatians 2:11-12 says Peter “was clearly in the wrong.” He was a hypocrite regarding the Gentiles. Peter was not infallible.

CATHOLIC ANSWER:

Infallibility doesn’t mean that Peter would be perfect or never sin. Jesus knew Peter would sin. Still, Jesus chose Peter to lead the Church and even prayed for him.

Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers.”

Luke 22:31-32

Peter and his successors, the popes, are infallible only when they define faith and morals, not in personal conduct, or in predicting the weather, or the winner of the Super Bowl.

Other References: Jn 21:15-17; Mt 16:15-19; Acts 2:14

For additional video reflections on the primacy of Peter as the first pope, and of the importance on authority within the living voice of the Church, please see:

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catechism of the Catholic Church

For information about what the Catholic Church believes, answers to FAQs, and an encompassing resource addressing common objections and misconceptions non-Catholics and Catholics alike may have about the Church and what it teaches, we invite you to visit the online version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

PRAYER

Let us pray.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.