Wherefore, in order that all doubt may be removed regarding a matter of great importance, a matter which pertains to the Church's divine constitution itself, in virtue of my ministry of confirming the brethren (cf. Lk 22:32) I declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church's faithful. (Pope John Paul II, Ordinatio Sacerdotalis, May 22, 1994)
I should point out that theologians asked the Vatican directly whether this was a true ex cathedra Papal definition, and the reply was negative, with the explanation being that it was re-stating something that was already infallibly known.
"I should point out that theologians asked the Vatican directly whether this was a true ex cathedra Papal definition, and the reply was negative, with the explanation being that it was re-stating something that was already infallibly known."
Serious question respectfully asked...
Via the above explanation is it not very likely that Benedict and future popes will ever speak ex cathedra again since the Church has believed the same thing since X date or time, correct? I don't see how a pope could come up with anything new so infallibility seems to be expiring quickly in a sense?
Follow up question. When was the last officially confirmed ex cathedra statement and how did it differ from this statement in terms of not simply stating what was already infallbily known?
Thank you for help...again, I ask respectfully.
Blessings to you in Christ.
PM