Editing Impeccability (section)

=== Papacy ===
Impeccability is sometimes confused with [[infallibility]], especially in discussions of [[papal infallibility]]. Impeccability is an attribute ''not'' claimed by the [[pope]], and few would deny that there have been bad popes: [[Saint Peter]] himself denied Jesus three times. On the other hand, [[Pope Gregory VII]], intellectual progenitor of the [[Ultramontanes]] and nemesis of the lay faction in the [[investiture controversy]], voiced an assertion of papal prerogative beyond even the strongest of modern apologists:

{{quote|
The pope can be judged by no one; the Roman church has never erred and never will err till the end of time; the Roman church was founded by Christ alone; the pope alone can depose and restore bishops; he alone can make new laws, set up new bishoprics and divide old ones. ... He alone can call general councils and authorize canon laws; his legates ... have precedence over all bishops. ... A duly ordained pope is undoubtedly made a [[saint]] by the merits of St. Peter.<ref>Robert McClory (1997). ''Power and the Papacy''. Triumph. {{ISBN|0-7648-0141-4}}. p. 19.</ref>}}
<!-- Future editors please note the context behind Gregory VII, probably the single most extreme proponent of papal power per se still in good historical graces; also consider pointing out that in the context of the time the assertion of sainthood was such that it declared a belief that legitimate ordination as Pope essentially punched anyone's celestial ticket right away, a sort of bald claim of direct divine agency corresponding to the traditional view of Chinese emperors. -->
Nevertheless, in Catholic thought, the exemption of the [[Holy See|See of Rome]] from all error extends only to its definitive teachings on faith and morals, not to its historical judgments. Similarly, papal sainthood does not suggest that popes are free from sin. Quite the contrary, popes frequent the sacrament of Reconciliation (confession and penance) for the forgiveness of their sins, as all Catholics are required to do. While occupying the papal office, [[Pope Benedict XVI]] confessed his sins weekly.<ref>David Willey (10 March 2008). [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7287071.stm "Fewer confessions and new sins"]. ''BBC News''. Accessed 11 May 2025.</ref>