Ex Cathedra Law and Legal Definition
Ex cathedra is a Latin term which means from the chair or authoritative. Ex cathedra authority is derived from one's office or position.
It is a phrase applied to the declarations or promulgations of the Pope in communion with the College of Cardinals. In Roman Catholicism it is believed that the pope, acting as supreme teacher and under certain conditions, as when he speaks ex cathedra, cannot err when he teaches in matters of faith or morals.
The term is used, by extension, of anyone who is perceived as speaking as though with supreme authority.
