that the selection should be entirely left to the Bishops.
Another question creating no inconsiderable discussion was whether the Bishops should be required to pronounce a profession of faith. The problem was whether the dogma of the Immaculate Conception should be included. It was contained in no existing formula of faith. Some were adverse to its introduction. Others thought it impossible for the Council to ignore the existence of this dogma. Some again held that since the dogma had already been declared by the Pope, there could be no necessity to insert it in a Council's decree. For this reason it ought to be recited in the profession of faith. Nevertheless it was held wiser not to introduce it, for fear of producing upon the Bishops a bad impression. Accordingly it was decided to fall back on the Creed of the Council of Trent.
In the Commission a discussion was also held on the burning question of pontifical Infallibility. Two questions were raised: Was it definable? was it opportune? The former was answered in the affirmative. So was the latter, but with the proviso that it ought not to be proposed by the Holy See, except at the request of the Bishops. Accordingly no further mention was made of the subject in the Cardinal's report. Nevertheless they did not cease to study it.
2. The external preparation for the Council, beyond the limits of the Roman body, consisted in a series of letters and announcements to the other Churches of Christendom.
Three Papal letters were issued in reference to the Council's actual assembling.[1]
- ↑ Cecconi, i. p. 379.
