[annalex]

I find the belief in the sinlessness of St. John the Baptist entirely natural. I don't know why it is not dogmatic. Perhaps, because the parallel to the Ark of the Covenant, that is not to be touched by human hand, is absent in his case.

this elevates John over Mary

Not really, Jesus has prophets in view in that passage, and not His Mother.

[Forest Keeper]

I find the belief in the sinlessness of St. John the Baptist entirely natural. I don't know why it is not dogmatic. Perhaps, because the parallel to the Ark of the Covenant, that is not to be touched by human hand, is absent in his case.

I'm sorry, I don't understand what you mean here. Jesus was touched by human hand.

FK: " ... this elevates John over Mary ..."

Not really, Jesus has prophets in view in that passage, and not His Mother.

Matt. 11:11 : "I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

Then why does He use the qualifier "born of women" if He does not mean all people? Which prophets were not born of women? In addition, Mary was born of a woman.