Returning Catholics FAQs: Is the Pope Perfect?

On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics , a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.

Why do Catholics believe the pope is perfect?

We don’t believe the pope is perfect. People often don’t understand what papal infallibility means, so let’s start there.

We recognize a...