[Mrs. Don-o]

"[If the Pope] puts it in writing, stamps it as ENCYCLICAL, we are bound to suffer it to be ex cathedra, on matters of faith and morals?"

In a word, no.

No everything said in an encyclical is considered infallible. LINK. You have to distinguish between a theological opinion (theologoumenon), Ordinary Magisterium, and Universal Magisterium.

I realize this seems technical, and it is. But the simplest way to put the point, is that only some part of a document which is specifically a solemn definitions concerning faith or morals, and which are not merely contingent or prudential, not temporary or local, but meant to be binding on the whole Church for all time, are infallible.

As an example of an encyclical having real moral authority but not being infallible, there's "Mit Brennender Sorge," ("With Burning Anxiety") the encyclical Pius XI wrote against the German regime in 1937. It was authoritative (locally) but not directly applicable to situations outside of Germany in the mid-20th century.

Infallible statements are flagged with introductory words of the utmost solemnity, like,

Accordingly, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit... for the honor of the Holy and undivided Trinity...by the authority of Jesus Christ our Lord...We declare, pronounce, and define that this doctrine is revealed by God and therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by all the faithful... Hence, if anyone shall dare to think otherwise, let him know that he has separated from the unity of the Church...

Or words similarly expressing infallible intent.

Unfortunately, if ignorant people assume that Pope Francis' media interviews and off-the-cuff remarks are intended to be part of the Magisterium, they're going to think that even moreso of an encyclical unless it's written (I am speaking foolishly) in 6 different colors of ink, with pale cantaloupe signifying "scientific advisors' best guesses" and Gothic-lettering-and-gold-leaf signifying "Universal and Catholic with a Capital C".

[RitaOK]

That is a relief! Thank you. I really appreciate the detail.
Especially this part (and the marvelous humor with it, in the “C”):

“Unfortunately, if ignorant people assume that Pope Francis’ media interviews and off-the-cuff remarks are intended to be part of the Magisterium, they’re going to think that even moreso of an encyclical unless it’s written (I am speaking foolishly) in 6 different colors of ink, with pale cantaloupe signifying “scientific advisors’ best guesses” and Gothic-lettering-and-gold-leaf signifying “Universal and Catholic with a Capital C”.

(Wish I could have dragged the “C” up, into this reply.)

Actually, this is a very important point by itself, from start to finish, that observers do not realize. Sometimes I realize the simplest things that even I still don’t know, but catechesis being what it is, some things don’t come up.

Thank you very much.

“

[RitaOK]

That is a relief! Thank you. I really appreciate the detail.
Especially this part (and the marvelous humor with it, in the “C”):

“Unfortunately, if ignorant people assume that Pope Francis’ media interviews and off-the-cuff remarks are intended to be part of the Magisterium, they’re going to think that even moreso of an encyclical unless it’s written (I am speaking foolishly) in 6 different colors of ink, with pale cantaloupe signifying “scientific advisors’ best guesses” and Gothic-lettering-and-gold-leaf signifying “Universal and Catholic with a Capital C”.

(Wish I could have dragged the “C” up, into this reply.)

Actually, this is a very important point by itself, from start to finish, that observers do not realize. Sometimes I realize the simplest things that even I still don’t know, but catechesis being what it is, some things don’t come up.

Thank you very much. Rita

“