Can the Pope make Mistakes?

In Episode 45 of the Trust in God Podcast, Father Bennett joins us to break down the teaching authority of the Catholic Church. With a new papal encyclical generating online discussion, we look at the purpose behind these documents and how the Church helps the faithful navigate modern developments like artificial intelligence (AI). What is the Magisterium? How does papal infallibility actually work, and when does it apply? Father Bennett explains the differences between the ordinary and extraordinary teaching offices, the meaning of a bishop's Cathedra, and whether everyday Catholics are required to read every document that comes out of Rome. Whether you are a practicing Catholic, a non-Catholic Christian, or simply interested in theology, this episode offers an approachable guide to how the Church preserves and teaches the deposit of faith. If you find this episode helpful, please consider liking, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who might benefit from these insights. Chapters (Timecodes) 00:00 - Why do Popes write encyclicals? 01:08 - What is the Magisterium? 03:35 - Are parish priests part of the Magisterium? 06:50 - What is papal infallibility? 07:30 - The hierarchy of Church documents 11:28 - How to read dense Church teachings 14:15 - Are canonizations infallible? 19:25 - How Vatican I defined infallibility 21:38 - The meaning of the bishop's chair (Cathedra) 25:26 - Ecumenical Councils vs. Papal statements 29:26 - The Pope's ordinary teaching office 34:14 - Are you a bad Catholic if you don't read encyclicals? 39:55 - Applying faith to modern science and AI 43:40 - What does the Church require us to believe? 54:42 - Closing prayer with Father Bennett For more information about St. Michael the Archangel Pastorate, visit: 🌐 Website: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/ 📱 Facebook (St. Augustine, Rensselaer):   / staugustinerensselaer   📱 Facebook (Sacred Heart, Remington):   / sacredheartremington   📷 Instagram:   / stmichaelpastorate   🎥 YouTube:    / @st.michaelthearchangelpast999   🟣 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7f6OQsJ... To give and support the work Jesus is doing click here: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/donations We’re excited to grow with you!