THE POPE'S DEGREE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2477, 26 May 1888, Page 2

THE POPE'S DEGREE.

— TO THE EDITOR.

Sin, —Tt is evident that your correspondent "Junius Hib>rnicus," with the best ot intentions, is misled about the teaching of the Catholic Church on the infallibility nf the Pope. I do not wish to interfere between himself and " Britanieus," but as he defies any Catholic to state where and when tho infallibility of the Pope was declared an article of Faith, my reply to him is that it was so declared in the Vatican Council, by Pope Puis IX. Does "Junius Hibernicus" really know what Pope Leo XIII has said about the Plan of Camprign ? If he does he must have more reliable knowledge than the general public have. I certainly cannot yet state what the decree says, nor what it condemns. Of one thing we are all certain, and the whole civilized world admits it, that Pope Leo XII I is one of the wisest men in the world. lam far from wishing to annoy 'Junius Hibernicus'when I advise him to wait and see what tho Holy Father has really said, and then let him pause and reHect whether the Pope or he knows better the several duties incumbent on tho visible head of the Church. There are, as ho must be aware, other duties ami responsibilities inherent iu the ollice of Supreme Shepherd and vicar of Jesus Christ besides definitions. Definitions of faith and morals

are very rare events in the Catholic Church: but tho responsibility of governing and guiding and steering tho barque of St. Peter is of daily occurrence, and to refuse tobediieeted and ordered by it, as Dr. McGlynn lately did, is rebellion to lawful authority. I feel confidant that when the decision of the Pope coines, there will be no call to readjust his judgment, and which of us will pose as pope of the Pope?=Yours truly, A. J. Fox, O-S.B,