[Forest Keeper]

Based on that, the Church believes that however her decisions are reached, by consensus, majority, or papal infallibility in absence of consensus, she is protected from error by the Holy Spirit. It is not a belief akin to what one might have about the American justice system, for example, that because of its juridical constitutional structure, it is self correcting. It is a mystical belief in the promise of Christ.

But I thought that the structure was set up so that you would know something is correct and protected if there was a consensus. (I have no idea how often the Pope has decreed without a consensus.) I don't see how it is different from a normal democratic system in terms of the "business" of the Church. I thought that protection was identified by consensus.

[annalex]

I don't know if a single instance exists when a pope overstepped the consensus of the Magisterium. It is, however, what Papal Infallibility allows for. Ultimately, there is one set of keys and it is in the hand of the successor of St. Peter.

I am flagging someone, who, I trust, can tell us more.