No. As stated in the
Baltimore Catechism...
Q. Does the
Church, by defining certain truths, thereby make new doctrines?
A. The Church, by
defining, that is, by proclaiming certain truths, articles of faith, does not
make new doctrines, but simply teaches more clearly and with greater effort
truths that have always been believed and held by the Church.
And...
Q. What, then, is
the use of defining or declaring a truth an article of faith if it has always
been believed?
A. The use of
defining or declaring a truth an article of faith, even when it has always been
believed, is: (1) To clearly contradict those who deny it and show their
teaching false; (2) To remove all doubt about the exact teaching of the Church,
and to put an end to all discussion about the truth defined.
Keep in mind that the
Church is not a creator of doctrine, but rather its guardian. She has authority
only to pass on what she has already received, not to invent new dogma. As the
First Vatican Council states...
"The Holy Spirit
was not promised to the successor of Peter that by the revelation of the Holy
Spirit they might disclose new doctrine, but that by His help they might guard
sacredly the revelation transmitted through the Apostles and the deposit of
faith, and might faithfully set it forth."
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