The dogma of papal infallibility refers to

• A. All Declarations by the Pope
• B. Only Those Times When He Invokes Ex Cathedra
• C. Times When He Speaks in Latin
• D. When He Defines Doctrine in Council

Answer: (B)

Papal infallibility is about when the Pope speaks with formal, universal teaching authority. It only applies in those rare moments when he speaks ex cathedra—from the chair of Peter—defining a doctrine of faith or morals to be held by the entire Church. In those occasions, Catholics believe the Holy Spirit preserves him from error. It does not cover every declaration he makes, nor is it about language used (Latin or otherwise). Nor does it automatically apply to every definition arising in a council; the defining factor is the Pope’s ex cathedra act intended as a universal teaching.