Not Catholic but I thought the Pope was considered infallible, the representation of Christ on earth? If that’s true he should never have periods of doubt or be in the darkness about his faith, right?
To be infallible, it has to be a doctrine or decree that has to be believed by all Catholics and declared as such. It doesn’t in any way imply that they are free of the mistakes every human makes, in general, or morally.
I think there have only been two doctrines infallibly defined since 1800 or so.
As far as general statements to the press, political opinions, interpretations of religion expressed over lunch and a glass of wine, they have the same infallibility as mine do. Well, his may have a little more respect, due to his position, but they are no more infallible.