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Question
Hi,
Pope Honorius was excommunicated or anethmatized at the 3rd ecumenical Counci. If the pope is infallible then why was he excommunicated? Even though some say he never spoke ex cathedra, why would a heretic be appointed by GOd with the POWER to speak ex cathedra.
Also, didnt the Popes AFTER Honorius have to swear that he was a heretic?
Hi Bradley.
First, a detail clarification: God does not "appoint" Popes; Popes are elected. We would like to think that those voting would be very prayerful in their decisions but history has proven that this is not always the case. In fact Honorius was not the only "bad Pope" that we had.
I cannot do better on the story of Honorius - or Papal Infallability in general - than has already been written elsewhere, so the best I can do is give you some links. I do not necessarily agree with every bit in these links, but do agree that they give a decent overview:
1. http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1994/9409fea2.asp
2. http://www.catholic.com/library/papal_infallibility.asp
3. http://newadvent.org/cathen/07452b.htm
The bottom line: The Christian Church (including the Catholic Church and all others) is led by people - and people are sinners.
Rick.
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Answers by Expert:
Rick Jackson
Expertise
I can help clarify fact vs. fiction regarding the teachings of the Catholic Faith. I believe that Catholicism is the best representation of the Historic Christian Faith and that this can be shown with Scripture, reason and history.
I am an ecumenical apologist. I'm not interested in telling non-Catholics why they are wrong, but am happy to explain and confirm what we believe and why we; from Scripture, reason and history.
There are some issues where I will have to politely agree to disagree with my non-Catholic brother in Christ, however there is so much that we share in common, I'd prefer to clarify those first. :)
Experience
Experience in the area
As a former Protestant (Church of the Nazarene) I came to the faith by recognizing, after lengthy study, that Catholocism is the best representation of the Historic Christian Faith.
Very interested in "ecumenical apologetics", and have started a website pursuing it: www.catholictruths.com
Organizations
Active member/supporter and webservant:
Biblical Archaeology Society | Diocese of Columbus Catholic Record Society | St. Gabriel Radio | Catholic Truths
Active member and/or supporter:
Catholic Answers | EWTN | Dead Theologians Society
Publications
Catholic Truths
Education/Credentials
Some College. Received religious instruction by the Dominicans. Have attended several "seminars" (or viewed via DVD) by Scott Hahn, Patrick Madrid and other apologists.
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