What if one pope contradicts another?
The short answer
First ask whether it concerns doctrine or morals; if not, popes are free to disagree. If it does, ask whether either spoke only as a private theologian; one speaking definitively as pope has the presumption. Apparent contradictions may also be different expressions of one truth or doctrinal development.
First, determine whether the matter concerns doctrine or morals. If not, popes are free to disagree with one another.
If it does, determine whether one or both popes spoke merely as a private theologian. If one spoke definitively in his capacity as pope, the presumption of correctness goes to him.
Consider too that an apparent contradiction between past and present popes may not be one. Popes can state the same truth in various ways without contradicting each other, and theological development may add nuance to earlier doctrinal statements.
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