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On June 16, 1846, Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti was named Pope Pius IX. He reigned for 31 years, the longest reign of any pope in history.
Pius is best known for his decree formally declaring the Immaculate Conception of Mary and the doctrine of papal infallibility.
The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception declares that Mary was preserved from the effects of original sin and therefore sinless.
Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin."
Mary was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin at the first moment of her conception, and sanctifying grace was given to her before sin could have taken effect in her soul.
The state of original sanctity, innocence, and justice, was conferred upon her, by which every stain and fault, all depraved emotions and passions were excluded.
Mary was to be the new Eve who was to be the mother of the new Adam. (Adapted from Frederick G. Holweck, Immaculate Conception, The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VII)
The doctrine of papal infallibility declares that the pope has jurisdictional over the entire Church and that, under specific conditions, is infallible in teaching faith and morals.
When the pope speaks in the exercise of his office, he defines, by virtue of his supreme apostolic authority, a doctrine of faith or morals to be held by the whole Church.
Because of the divine assistance promised to him in blessed Peter, he speaks with that infallibility with which Jesus wished His Church to be endowed in defining doctrines of faith and morals.
Such declarations of the pope are irreformable. (Adapted from Infallibility, P.J Toner, The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VII)
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