Question & Answer

                                  Is the Church always right?

                                  At the Last Supper, Jesus promised his disciples he would send the Holy Spirit to guide them "to all truth" (Jn 16:13).  "The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name ----- he will teach you everything and remind you of all that [I] told you" (John 14:26).  The Apostles handed on their authority and mission to their successors, ---- the pope and the bishops.  Together, they are responsible for "giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God" (CCC #85; Dei Verbum, 10, S 2).  The whole Church, because it is under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, cannot err in matters of faith and morals.
                                  Also, "The whole body of the faithful.........cannot err in matters of belief.  This characteristic is shown in the supernatural appreciation of faith (sensus fidei) on the part of the whole people" (CCC 92).   That means that individual members may make mistakes, sometimes publically.  Then the Church must clarify" what has always and everywhere been believed by all" (St. Vincent of Lerins).