To the Editor:
Pope Francis is misunderstood by so many. Those who fear that he is going to change the church’s infallible teaching are worrying for no reason at all. Those who are hoping for a change in those infallible teachings are hoping in vain.
The pope is bound to the “deposit of the faith,” the faith that has been declared infallible. The deposit of the faith is that faith which has been held since the beginning of church history.
Let us pretend that Francis were to declare that he was going to make an infallible teaching. An infallible statement by a pope requires that the pope limit his teaching to faith and morals, that he speak on behalf of the universal church, from the authority or “chair” of Peter, and with a clear affirmation that what he is about to proclaim is to be held infallible.
Underlying these criteria is the deposit of the faith, which cannot be contradicted (for example, the pope cannot declare that Jesus was only a spirit when the church has already declared him God and man). Hence, any statement contrary to the deposit of the faith is invalid.
So for those who are worried, calm down. For those hoping for vindication for their lifestyle choices, their hope is in vain. What both sides can count on is that Francis will bring a more pastoral approach to ministry.
(Rev.) JOHN J. PASQUINI
Vero Beach, Fla.
