petra:
Peter was appointed by Jesus (who, of course, had the authority to do so), not elected by the other disciples. How did Linus actually obtain the key’s to the Kingdom of heaven if it was not passed directly from Peter? How have subsequent popes obtained the keys if not passed directly from the one previously holding them? With the casting of votes by others who do not possess these keys, it is merely a democratic election and a succession of leaders, much like our presidents. How is this a succession and transfer of spiritual authority in the sense that it is implied?
Read Acts: 1,15-26
15 During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said, 16 “My brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled which the holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. 18 He bought a parcel of land with the wages of his iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out. 19 This became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem, so that the parcel of land was called in their language ‘Akeldama,’ that is, Field of Blood. 20 For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it.’ And: ‘May another take his office.’ 21 Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” 26 Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles. Very clearly, the Apostles had the power to pass on their authority. Now, Peter was the Rock on which the Church was built. To Peter were given the keys of stewardship. And the need for the authority of Peter to be with the Church for all time is clearly seen when you see how Protestantism has fragmented and re-fragmented (to the point where there are some 33,000 separate sects in the US alone.)
When Peter was martyred at Rome, his power and authority devolved on his successor. There is little doubt that Linus was Peter’s choice – even Clement, the 4th Pope tells us how he also was selected by Peter.
So Peter’s first three successors (Linus, Anencletus and Clement) were all men personally selected and taught by Peter.
The point of this is Popes don’t come out of nowhere – they are men who have long histories of service to the Church, just as Linus, Anencletus and Clement had.
