This week in Christian history: Protestant preacher found guilty of heresy; GK Chesterton dies, Pius IX becomes pope

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, June 14, 2020

Pius IX becomes Pope — June 16, 1846

Pope Pius IX, born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, who reigned as head of the Roman Catholic Church from 16 June 1846 to his death in 1878. He convened the First Vatican Council. | (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

This week marks the anniversary of when Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Pius IX.

An influential Church figure, Pius IX convened the First Vatican Council, which in 1870 officially recognized the concept of “papal infallibility.”

The theologically controversial concept argues that under specific official circumstances, the pope cannot err on matters of faith. Since 1870, papal infallibility has been invoked twice.

“The exact responsibility of Pius for the events of his pontificate is still a matter of controversy, but it may be said that Pius IX took the first steps toward the modern papacy,” noted Britannica.

“Under the direction of Pius IX the papacy abandoned the political preoccupations and responsibilities imposed by the temporal power it once possessed and concentrated on spiritual and religious issues.”