We will begin by considering the two-fold question: can a pope fall into personal heresy internally, and can he profess heresy externally?
It is the common opinion amongst theologians that a Pope can fall into personal heresy, and even public and notorious heresy. Regarding this point, Fr. Paul Laymann, S. J. (d. 1635), who was considered “one of the greatest moralists and canonists of his time” (2) wrote the following:
"It is more probable that the Supreme Pontiff, as a person, might be able to fall into heresy, and even notorious heresy, by reason of which he would merit to be deposed by the Church, or rather declared to be separated from her." (3)
In his famous book The Catholic Controversy, St. Francis de Sales wrote:
"Under the ancient Law, the High Priest did not wear the Rational except when he was vested with the pontifical robe and was entering before the Lord. Thus we do not say that the Pope cannot err in his private opinions, as did John XXII; or be altogether a heretic, as perhaps Honorius was." (4)
Pope Adrian VI († 1523) went further by saying “it is beyond question” that a Pope can err in matters of faith, and even “teach heresy”:
"If by the Roman Church you mean its head or pontiff, it is beyond question that he can err even in matters touching the faith. He does this when he teaches heresy by his own judgment or decretal. In truth, many Roman pontiffs were heretics. The last of them was Pope John XXII († 1334)." (5)
While St. Bellarmine personally held to what he called the “pious opinion” of Albert Pighius, (6) namely, that a Pope could not fall into personal heresy, he conceded that “the common opinion is the contrary”. (7)
2) Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913, Vol. IX (Fr. Paul Laymann), p 95
3) Laymann, Theol. Mor., Lib II, tract I, cap, VII, p 153
4) St. Francis de Sales, The Catholic Controversy (TAN Books) p 305-306
5) Quaest. in IV Sent. Quote in: “L'Infaillibilité du pape et le Syllabus", (Besançon: Jacquin; Paris: P. Lethielleux, 1904).
6) Hierarch. Eccles., lib. 4, cap. 8,
7) De Romano Pontifice, lib II, cap. 30
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