controversy, voiced an assertion of Papal prerogative beyond even the strongest of modern apologists': The pope can be judged by no one; the Roman church has never erred and never will err till the end of time; the Roman church was founded by Christ alone; the pope alone can depose and restore bishops; he alone can make new laws, set up new bishoprics and divide old ones. ...He alone can call general councils and authorize canon laws; his legates ... have precedence over all bishops. ...A duly ordained pope is undoubtedly made a saint by the merits of St. Peter. Nevertheless, in Catholic thought, the exemption of the See of Rome from all error extends only to its definitive teachings on faith and morals, not to its historical judgments. Similarly, papal sainthood does not suggest that popes are free from sin. Quite the contrary, popes frequent the sacrament of Reconciliation (confession and penance) for the forgiveness of their sins, as all other Catholics are required to do. While occupying the papal office, Pope Benedict XVI confessed his sins once a week. Protestant teaching Evangelical writer Donald Macleod suggests that the sinless nature of Jesus Christ involves two elements. "First, Christ was free of actual sin." Studying the gospels there is no reference to Jesus praying for the forgiveness of sin, nor confessing sin. The assertion is that Jesus did not commit sin, nor could he be proven guilty of sin; he had no vices. In fact, he is quoted as asking, "Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?" in John 8:46. "Secondly, he was free from inherent sin ("original sin" or "ancestral sin")." Pelagianism According to Pelagianism, sin arises from free choice rather than being an inevitable consequence of man's fallen nature. Therefore, it is theoretically possible, although unusual, for anyone to live a sinless life. See also Christian perfection Gnomic will Infallibility of the Church Monothelitism References Catechism of the Catholic Church Summa Theologica External links Catechism of the Catholic Church from the official website of the Vatican Summa Theologica from NewAdvent website Christian hamartiology Christian terminology Marian dogmas Attributes of God in Christian theology Nature of Jesus Christ