Infallibles

Infallibles refers to a concept within certain religious traditions, most notably Catholicism, that designates a person or a group as being incapable of error in specific circumstances. In Catholic theology, the most prominent application of infallibility is attributed to the Pope and ecumenical councils when they officially define doctrines concerning faith and morals. This infallibility is not seen as a personal characteristic of the Pope or bishops, but rather as a divine protection granted by God to preserve the integrity of the Church's teachings. The conditions for papal infallibility are precise and were formally defined at the First Vatican Council in 1870. It applies only when the Pope speaks *ex cathedra*, meaning from the chair of Peter, in his capacity as the supreme pastor and teacher of all Christians, and when he intends to bind the entire Church to a doctrine. Similarly, ecumenical councils are considered infallible when they, in union with the Pope, define dogmas of faith or morals. The concept aims to ensure that the core doctrines of the faith remain pure and uncorrupted throughout history. Other religious traditions may have similar concepts of divine guidance or unerring truth, but the term "infallible" is most strongly associated with the Catholic understanding.