Is a Pope Emeritus Still Infallible?
A friend asked me recently, “Now that Benedict XVI has resigned as pope, is he still infallible?” I don’t think so, but I wasn’t sure how to explain my answer. Can you help?
Answer
Can They Marry in the Catholic Church?
My daughter received a declaration of nullity (annulment) over 10 years ago and later, in a civil ceremony, married a nonpracticing Jewish man. He did not want to have a wedding in a Catholic church.
She spoke to her pastor recently about having her marriage blessed.He agreed to work with her but said that her husband would have to get a declaration of nullity.
I thought that because her present marriage is not recognized by the Catholic Church, she would not need to get an annulment. Is that correct?
Answer
In Heaven Will She Learn of My Infidelity?
In your August 2012 column, you answered a question about whether a spouse who commits adultery and then goes to Confession must also confess this fact to his or her spouse.
My wife of almost 40 years died a few months ago. Early in our marriage, I was unfaithful twice, both times under the influence of alcohol. I confessed both sins but never told my wife. We have several beautiful children and grandchildren.
Although I have now been sober and chaste for many years and attend daily Mass, I just can’t get rid of my feelings of guilt, even though I know that I have been forgiven. Does my wife in heaven know of those two acts of infidelity? If so, does she still love me?
Answer
Is There an Official Catholic Bible?
Years ago in parochial school, I recall that we were told that the Douay-Rheims version was the only one that we were allowed to read. The teacher even said that reading any “Protestant” Bible, especially the King James Version, was sinful.
I’m sure that’s no longer the case, but is there an official Latin version and an English translation? How are we to choose among the many translations now available?
Answer
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