cathedra

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Popes wield such power that they can speak ex cathedra — literally, from the papal throne — to make infallible pronouncements on morality that the faithful must obey.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2025

The last time a pope issued an ex cathedra decree was in 1950, when Pius XII made the assumption of Mary into heaven an article of faith.

From Washington Post • Feb. 4, 2021

It is a conviction descended, ex cathedra, from Robert Penn Warren, in his spare masterpiece, “Tell Me a Story.”

From The New Yorker • May 20, 2019

Which Catholics believe in the primacy of the Pope's teachings, when he is not speaking ex cathedra?

From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2018

I do not pretend to speak ex cathedra, nor do I claim for my judgments any other value than that given to them by such inherent reasonableness and fairness as they may seem to have.

From Campaigning in Cuba by Kennan, George