Pope St. Clement I on papal supremacy and papal infallibility

 

What did Pope St. Clement I think of papal supremacy and papal infallibility?



Pope St. Clement I taught papal supremacy. This is evidenced not only when he stated that it is "abominable and unholy sedition" to act in a manner contrary to the Church in Rome, but also when he stated that the Corinthians must accept the "counsel and you will have nothing to regret", this shows that he sees it as perfectly within his right as Bishop of Rome to demand that actions contrary to the Church in Rome be reversed. He goes on to state, "If anyone disobey the things which have been said by him [God] through us [i.e., that you must reinstate your leaders], let them know that they will involve themselves in transgression and in no small danger". This shows clear consequences for disobeying the Church in Rome. This all points towards papal supremacy, that the bishop of Rome has the supreme power over the whole church of which he is the representative of.


His teaching on papal infallibility appears in chapter 63. He stated that the Corinthians must be "obedient to the things which we have written through the Holy Spirit, you will root out the wicked passion of jealousy". This clearly shows papal infallibility being invoked as well as him explicitly stating that it has been written through the Holy Spirit, which would support papal infallibility since the Holy Spirit is protecting the Pope from error. 


This can also be seen in the closing document in the Council of Jerusalem, Peter says the following, from Acts 15:28: "For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things". The Holy Spirit was invoked by Peter, so therefore, it is an infallible decision.


Pope St. Clement I of Rome taught both the papal supremacy and papal infallibility as shown by his writings.




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