Well, isn’t the ex cathedra statements only what’s formally binding on Catholics or not?
If it’s not formally binding, then they do have the choice to accept it or not. Right?
Hey!
I ain't so dang smart to figger if this stuff is BINDING or not; so, to be on the SAFE side, I'll jus accept it all!!
Catholic_Wannabe_Dude(Hail Mary!!)
Of course that's not "only what's formally binding". The doctrinal teachings of ecumenical councils are all infallible, but those aren't Papal ex cathedra statements.
And it's false to assert that only infallibly proclaimed teachings are binding in conscience. Infallibly proclaimed teachings are things that can't be changed.
We were, however, specifically addressing the claim that most things a Pope says are, or are supposed to be, protected by the charism of Papal infallibility. That claim is also not true.