This is a public service announcement about the phrase "ex cathedra".

Many people have experienced confusion and feelings of deep humiliation when, during a debate on this forum, their wittier and more verbally sophisticated opponent (I shall name no names) accuses them of making an "ex cathedra" statement.

They don't know what it means, but they don't dare admit to their lack of knowledge! ;-)

In order to end this saddening situation that has caused pain and mental distress to so many, I am posting the definition of "ex cathedra" below. Read and become sophisticated too. Learn how to reduce other people to stunned silence by your use of this clever debating term.

Ahem!

Here we go....

In Catholic theology, the Latin phrase ex cathedra, literally meaning "from the chair", refers to a teaching by the pope that is considered to be made with the intention of invoking infallibility.

The "chair" referred to is not a literal chair, but refers metaphorically to the pope's position, or office, as the official teacher of Catholic doctrine: the chair was the symbol of the teacher in the ancient world, and bishops to this day have a cathedra, a seat or throne, as a symbol of their teaching and governing authority. The pope is said to occupy the "chair of Peter", as Catholics hold that among the apostles Peter had a special role as the preserver of unity, so the pope as successor of Peter holds the role of spokesman for the whole church among the bishops, the successors as a group of the apostles. (Also see Holy See and sede vacante: both terms evoke this seat or throne.)

Now, don't you feel great now that you know this vital bit of knowledge, just like a fully-fledged member of the intellectual elite? You will soon be able to spar with luminaries like Gore Vidal and Woody Allen without fear or trembling.