How to answer a Non Catholic's question about pope?

[happy2be]

In contrast to what others have written I have to disagree…yep I have been to Rome, to St Peters, to the Vatican musuem, the undergound tour to St Peters tomb, the catecombs etc etc etc…

I would say that the majority of “Christian” leaders live reasonably well, surrounded by riches and so on (wether it be theirs personally or belonging to the church)…

Let us consider how Jesus lived…how and where He was born…His humble upringing and simple life when travelling (usually by foot)…and so on…

how different those who now stand in leadership huh…and I am not saying just the pope…I have seen the many religious idols and artifacts that should belong in a historical museum - not a Christian church…all this talk of “keeping it for the common man to admire” rubbish rubbish rubbish I say…and I would think if Jesus were to walk thru many a church and the vatican He too would be quite dismayed at what his supposed followers have done in His name!

Our treasure is the free gift of salvation - won for us by Him on the cross…all this parading around in expensive garments and so on…what a waste…

don’t kid yourselves that these things bring glory to God! A repentant heart that accepts the most wonderful gift of all - Jesus as Lord and saviour…and a life lived in love…this is what brings glory to God!

 

[Patavium]

In contrast to what others have written I have to disagree…yep I have been to Rome, to St Peters, to the Vatican musuem, the undergound tour to St Peters tomb, the catecombs etc etc etc…

I would say that the majority of “Christian” leaders live reasonably well, surrounded by riches and so on (wether it be theirs personally or belonging to the church)…

Let us consider how Jesus lived…how and where He was born…His humble upringing and simple life when travelling (usually by foot)…and so on…

how different those who now stand in leadership huh…and I am not saying just the pope…I have seen the many religious idols and artifacts that should belong in a historical museum - not a Christian church…all this talk of “keeping it for the common man to admire” rubbish rubbish rubbish I say…and I would think if Jesus were to walk thru many a church and the vatican He too would be quite dismayed at what his supposed followers have done in His name!

Our treasure is the free gift of salvation - won for us by Him on the cross…all this parading around in expensive garments and so on…what a waste…

don’t kid yourselves that these things bring glory to God! A repentant heart that accepts the most wonderful gift of all - Jesus as Lord and saviour…and a life lived in love…this is what brings glory to God!

You assume the Pope is comparable to Jesus Christ. No one can compare to Jesus Christ. You also assume the Pope has the same purpose as Jesus Christ. Jesus main purpose was to die for our salvation, and then he also did other acts which were secondary purposes such as clarification of the mosaic law.

“Apostolic succession” DOES NOT mean that the Pope, or any other bishop, succeeds to the full office of an Apostle. That is not the Catholic claim at all. Rather, “Apostolic succession” maintains that a Pope, or a particular bishop, succeeds FROM an Apostle or Apostles. It, in no way, implies that this Pope or this bishop is now an Apostle himself.

Furthermore, it in no way implies that this Pope or this bishop is Divinely-inspired (as the Apostles were), or infallible (in the sense that the Apostles were), or that they are the originators of new, Christ-given revelation (as the Apostles were). Rather, the Pope and his brother bishops are merely the authoritative, Spirit-protected guardians of revelation (i.e. the Apostolic Deposit of Faith) that has already been delivered to us, in full, by the Apostles. Catholics clearly believe, only God can commission someone to be an Apostle.

While a Pope, or another bishop, may not succeed to the full office of an Apostle (e.g. the Apostle Peter), they do succeed to a dimension of the Apostolic office: and that is the episcopal dimension of the Apostolic office. In other words, all Apostles, as part of their Apostolic calling, were also bishops (e.g. “overseers” – pastors of the flock). Peter calls himself a “presbyter” among other (non-Apostle) presbyters in 1 Peter 5:1, as does the Apostle John in 2 John 1 and 3 John 1. Here, it is important to note that, at the time the New Testament was written, the terms “bishop” (“overseer”) and “presbyter” (“senior” / “elder” – which would eventually evolve into our English word “priest”) were still being used interchangeably (and this is more than understandable, given that all Catholic bishops are also priests).

And so, when the Bishop of Rome says that he is the successor of the Apostle Peter, or when the Bishop of Ephesus says that he is the successor of the Apostle John, they are referring to the episcopal offices held by Peter (1 Peter 5:1) and by John (2 John 1), and not to the full measure of their Apostolic ministries.

Only God can appoint an Apostle. Such was clearly the case with the Apostle Paul, who did not succeed from any of the Twelve (the Twelve were made Apostles to the Jewish people, by the way), but was called directly by Christ Himself to be an Apostle to the Gentiles. So, it is certainly true that no human authority made St. Paul an Apostle. However, if you read Acts 13:1-3, you will clearly see that a human authority (i.e., the bishops of the church of Antioch) DID appoint both Paul and Barnabas, by the laying on of hands, to their episcopal offices (thereby giving them the authority to found other churches and to ordain other presbyters within them: Acts 14:23). Before this time, neither Paul nor Barnabas ordained anyone, nor did they claim the authority to found any churches (but merely, in Paul’s case, to preach the Good News, which is the function of an Apostle). Yet, only a bishop can ordain or establish churches; and a bishop is also subject to Church hierarchy and submits to it when necessary (e.g. Acts 15:2).

In summary, the Pope IS NOT Jesus Christ, and IS NOT an Apostle. The Pope is the overseer of the Church on earth, and by giving up the central authority of the Church, it will only lead to weaken the Church. We already know what happens when the central authority is not there (see Protestantism). This is a nonsense argument that only seeks to weaken the Church.

 

[rinnie]

In contrast to what others have written I have to disagree…yep I have been to Rome, to St Peters, to the Vatican musuem, the undergound tour to St Peters tomb, the catecombs etc etc etc…

I would say that the majority of “Christian” leaders live reasonably well, surrounded by riches and so on (wether it be theirs personally or belonging to the church)…

Let us consider how Jesus lived…how and where He was born…His humble upringing and simple life when travelling (usually by foot)…and so on…

how different those who now stand in leadership huh…and I am not saying just the pope…I have seen the many religious idols and artifacts that should belong in a historical museum - not a Christian church…all this talk of “keeping it for the common man to admire” rubbish rubbish rubbish I say…and I would think if Jesus were to walk thru many a church and the vatican He too would be quite dismayed at what his supposed followers have done in His name!

Our treasure is the free gift of salvation - won for us by Him on the cross…all this parading around in expensive garments and so on…what a waste…

don’t kid yourselves that these things bring glory to God! A repentant heart that accepts the most wonderful gift of all - Jesus as Lord and saviour…and a life lived in love…this is what brings glory to God!

Well ya know thats because they did not have cars in those days. Pretty much everyone walked everywhere.

And I think that Jesus does see what is in his Church and he is quite proud of all People have done with their talents to honor him and his Mother and the Saints, etc.

And I think he would also be very proud of what the current Pope and John Paull ll and the others Popes have done in his name. I mean every single thing they do in his name COMES from him you know. If they speak in his name it comes straight from the Holy Spirit. Do you think the Pope’s trump God or something when they speak in his name?

I don’t see the Pope parading around in expensive garments by the way. Usually its a simple white robe is what I see. And yes he wears nice things when he honors Christ, should we not all do the same. Would it make you feel better if he looked like a begar off the street?

What makes you think that us Catholic’s don’t bring glory to our God. And especially for goodness sakes the Pope.

What do you feel he does BESIDES give glory to our God? Can you name me one individual in this world who gives Glory and spends more time giving glory to God then the Pope? Name em!

 

[JRRTFAN]

Countless times, I’ve heard non-Catholics say to me ‘How can the pope live such a lavish lifestyle, while there are millions of people dying of hunger around the world?’ How do I respond to that? What is a clear cut answer that I can give to them? Thanks!

The answer is that it is an idiotic question. The pope lives in a 3 room apartment in the Vatican. A “lavish” lifestyle includes yachts, private jets, multiple villas, etc. The pope has none of that.

The real question they have is Why not sell everything and give it to the poor? This too is an old saw. A foundation owns the New York Metropolitan museum, why not sell all that art and give the money to the poor? The Vatican is a living museum open to the public.

Here’s something to ask them: Catholic Charities is the largest private charity on earth. How big is the charity sponsored by the questioner’s church? Do they have one?

 

[aicirt]

In contrast to what others have written I have to disagree…yep I have been to Rome, to St Peters, to the Vatican musuem, the undergound tour to St Peters tomb, the catecombs etc etc etc…

I would say that the majority of “Christian” leaders live reasonably well, surrounded by riches and so on (wether it be theirs personally or belonging to the church)…

Let us consider how Jesus lived…how and where He was born…His humble upringing and simple life when travelling (usually by foot)…and so on…

how different those who now stand in leadership huh…and I am not saying just the pope…I have seen the many religious idols and artifacts that should belong in a historical museum - not a Christian church…all this talk of “keeping it for the common man to admire” rubbish rubbish rubbish I say…and I would think if Jesus were to walk thru many a church and the vatican He too would be quite dismayed at what his supposed followers have done in His name!

Our treasure is the free gift of salvation - won for us by Him on the cross…all this parading around in expensive garments and so on…what a waste…

don’t kid yourselves that these things bring glory to God! A repentant heart that accepts the most wonderful gift of all - Jesus as Lord and saviour…and a life lived in love…this is what brings glory to God!

Interesting that people can look at the same things and come away with a different experience. The Vatican Museum houses artifacts from ancient Rome and pagan religions. The Church did not destroy these things. The obelisk in the Square was actually originally situated to the left of the Square in what was once a circus. It is from Egypt brought to Rome in 37AD. And now it stands embraced by the arms of the Square representing humanity, past, present, and future, topped with the cross. How beautiful is that?
The former palace of St. Helena now the Holy Cross of Jerusalem was once her palace and given to the Church. What purpose would it serve to sell it and deny people the opportunity to see the relics there?
I think it is wonderful that the tomb of St. Peter can be accessed by all regardless of their religious affiliations or lack of affiliation.
There is no charge to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. You are free to admire all the works of art including the Pieta by Michaelangelo etc. Here is a genius who actually felt that his ability was just to free what God had already created inside the stone.
Here in the U.S., there once was a time when the President answered the door of the White House himself. Or you could show up and have a chit-chat with him. Time and events change things.

 

[KathleenGee]

Again…the Church is mystical…the Church is the Bride of Christ…and Our Lord cannot be outdone in His generosity, in clothing and adorning His Bride.

The Church itself is a living, breathing organism…akin to a sacrament. So you cannnot put it even into a subdivision like you would public property or assets and what not…because if you do…you are looking at the Church from the vision of man, and not a believer in Christ Who did indeed establish only one church.

No one owns the Church. Yes, the lavishness you see is the work of Christ in His believers who wish to honor Him with praise and glory for providing us His shepherds, providing us sound doctrine and incomprehensible amount of teaching.

My son is coming out of the brainwashing by the Far Left in the media and scandals…by seeing the effects of the failure of socialism and class warfare around us. I have a book here that is reveals just how much the Church contributed to science…the real story behind Galileo…who was previously greatly honored by the cardinals, but then step out of line with the scientific method ahead of Copernicus’ completion of his work…and Galileo wanting to remove one line from Scripture to support his science.

Ironically, it is Galileo wanting to remove a line from Scripture and delve into theology, of which he was not consecrated in spirit and truth in the Church, that got him censored.

You will never learn this from a fundamentalist preacher who indoctrinates people with such a false image of the Church…

I told my son I am going to see about getting a copy of the ‘New Yorker’, I believe January 3, 2010 or 2011, which has an article about the Vatican Library that holds not only secret documents…many times to protect penitents as the confessional is not a public loudspeaker of one’s sins with tape recorders and so on inside,…but the Vatican Library also has many documents that are open to the public as well as many items from science.

People should study the great contribution to science brought to us by celibate priests and monks.

 

[KathleenGee]

Last night I reflected on my growing interest in Pope Pius the XII.

People may have heard of the scandal he was alleged to wrought by doing nothing for the Jews during the time of World War II and Naziism. There is a great deal of wrath we incur to this day by particular Jewish groups who blame him for this atrocity of the Holocaust.

We Christians likewise have many martyrs of the faith who died under Naziism…but our response is different and we remember all who have gone forward to the next life with the Lord at daily Mass. They have now come to their reward. Ours who have died are now rewarded with Jesus Christ Himself…of Whom nothing in this world can compare to Him.

Anyway, a play was made called, ‘The Deputy’, and it was supposed to chronicle Pius’ moral neglect of the Jewish people. The play caused an uproar and the movement for Pius’ cause for sainthood was suspended.

I remember Pius XII as a child…remember the magazines of him, recall the splendor of his robes, the jewels…but I also recall his piety. It was only a few years ago that I saw him in an old WWII clip…showing him go outside with much emotion and plead to the Lord that Rome and Italy not be destroyed and endure what was happening elsewhere.

I was deeply impressed and saw much spirit and warmth in his soul that I did not see in all the Vatican pictures.

Then a few years ago, I was listening to a commentator on the radio and he was interviewing a Jewish organization called, Pave the Way. (www.pavetheway.org). ’

PAVE asked permission to go into the ‘secret’ Vatican library documents to do research on the life of Pius XII to further ‘expose’ his wrongdoing and possible complicity with the Nazis.

When they came to the end of their investigation, what they found out was just how much Pius did for the Jews during WWII…to the point that of all the people in the world, it was Pope Pius XII who had done the most for the Jewish people during the Holocaust.

Secondly, they began to look at more documents regarding past controversies in the Church. What conclusion they came to, was not the implication that this veil of secrecy was hiding any scandal in the Church, but rather…the question was to them…‘Why didn’t the Church defend itself more???’…because they saw much good…

The documents of the Inquisition were finally opened August of 2003 at the request of JP II. They revealed much of what Catholics had already sensed…that the accusations were contrived and overbroad…and if anything, the Church spent more time exhonorating the accused than punishing them.

 

[KathleenGee]

And about the Church housing pagan artifacts…this is very hard for a fundamentalist to understand…

But we have the Book of Wisdom in our Bible…and there is one line in it…that is the foundation of scientific thought in the Church…and that is the Lord created this world with weight and measure…the Natural Law …and that the Lord Himself respects His own creation of Natural Law .

And…as St. Paul said, any person with the use of reason and reflection, can see God’s presence in the handiwork of creation…

Jesus Christ is the Word Made Flesh through which the universe was made. God made all things good…and as the Epistles state, where there is purity, beauty and refinement…there is the handiwork of Christ Himself.

There is a room that has pagan statues around it that was once used by ancient Romans…but it expresses beauty and reason…attributes of Christ Himself Who triumphs over all, Who brings all men up to Himself.

This room is a pagan predecessor in its beauty and reflection and refinement of architecture…to the coming glory of Christ and HIs Church on earth…

In ancient times of the martyrs…there were those zealous Christians who went about knocking down pagan statues, who were then subsequently executed. The Church did not declare them saints but considered their actions ‘suicide’.

 

[Patavium]

People should study the great contribution to science brought to us by celibate priests and monks.

Yes, and this contribution is continuous. There are several priests with PhDs from reputable universities that still publish in scientific journals. We still have the Vatican Observatory.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_Observatory

Yes, the Catholic Church funds scientific research , and some of its priests also do research.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontifical_Academy_of_Sciences

 

[happy2be]

You assume the Pope is comparable to Jesus Christ. No one can compare to Jesus Christ. You also assume the Pope has the same purpose as Jesus Christ. Jesus main purpose was to die for our salvation, and then he also did other acts which were secondary purposes such as clarification of the mosaic law.

“Apostolic succession” DOES NOT mean that the Pope, or any other bishop, succeeds to the full office of an Apostle. That is not the Catholic claim at all. Rather, “Apostolic succession” maintains that a Pope, or a particular bishop, succeeds FROM an Apostle or Apostles. It, in no way, implies that this Pope or this bishop is now an Apostle himself.

Furthermore, it in no way implies that this Pope or this bishop is Divinely-inspired (as the Apostles were), or infallible (in the sense that the Apostles were), or that they are the originators of new, Christ-given revelation (as the Apostles were). Rather, the Pope and his brother bishops are merely the authoritative, Spirit-protected guardians of revelation (i.e. the Apostolic Deposit of Faith) that has already been delivered to us, in full, by the Apostles. Catholics clearly believe, only God can commission someone to be an Apostle.

While a Pope, or another bishop, may not succeed to the full office of an Apostle (e.g. the Apostle Peter), they do succeed to a dimension of the Apostolic office: and that is the episcopal dimension of the Apostolic office. In other words, all Apostles, as part of their Apostolic calling, were also bishops (e.g. “overseers” – pastors of the flock). Peter calls himself a “presbyter” among other (non-Apostle) presbyters in 1 Peter 5:1, as does the Apostle John in 2 John 1 and 3 John 1. Here, it is important to note that, at the time the New Testament was written, the terms “bishop” (“overseer”) and “presbyter” (“senior” / “elder” – which would eventually evolve into our English word “priest”) were still being used interchangeably (and this is more than understandable, given that all Catholic bishops are also priests).

And so, when the Bishop of Rome says that he is the successor of the Apostle Peter, or when the Bishop of Ephesus says that he is the successor of the Apostle John, they are referring to the episcopal offices held by Peter (1 Peter 5:1) and by John (2 John 1), and not to the full measure of their Apostolic ministries.

Only God can appoint an Apostle. Such was clearly the case with the Apostle Paul, who did not succeed from any of the Twelve (the Twelve were made Apostles to the Jewish people, by the way), but was called directly by Christ Himself to be an Apostle to the Gentiles. So, it is certainly true that no human authority made St. Paul an Apostle. However, if you read Acts 13:1-3, you will clearly see that a human authority (i.e., the bishops of the church of Antioch) DID appoint both Paul and Barnabas, by the laying on of hands, to their episcopal offices (thereby giving them the authority to found other churches and to ordain other presbyters within them: Acts 14:23). Before this time, neither Paul nor Barnabas ordained anyone, nor did they claim the authority to found any churches (but merely, in Paul’s case, to preach the Good News, which is the function of an Apostle). Yet, only a bishop can ordain or establish churches; and a bishop is also subject to Church hierarchy and submits to it when necessary (e.g. Acts 15:2).

In summary, the Pope IS NOT Jesus Christ, and IS NOT an Apostle. The Pope is the overseer of the Church on earth, and by giving up the central authority of the Church, it will only lead to weaken the Church. We already know what happens when the central authority is not there (see Protestantism). This is a nonsense argument that only seeks to weaken the Church.

You should be careful to make assumptions of others… I understand fully the role of the pope actually!

 

[Patavium]

You should be careful to make assumptions of others… I understand fully the role of the pope actually!

Why did you compare the Pope to Jesus Christ then ?

Apples are comparable to oranges

 

[happy2be]

Please re read what I wrote…I said let us consider the manner in which Jesus was born into this world and the humble way in which He lived…and I then spoke of how many of His followers of all Christian faiths - (not just the Pope) often live lives that are in quite contrast to that!

 

[Patavium]

Please re read what I wrote…I said let us consider the manner in which Jesus was born into this world and the humble way in which He lived…and I then spoke of how many of His followers of all Christian faiths - (not just the Pope) often live lives that are in quite contrast to that!

This is a comparison. You stated how Jesus lived, and then you compared to how the “leaders” of all christian faith including the pope live.

What is the message from this comparison? that leaders of Christian faith should live like Jesus Christ? I see no other possible message unless it was an observation without anything to add to the discussion.

 

[happy2be]

oh goodness…but I am clearly not saying the pope…any bishop …or priest…or minister…or christian is Jesus walking this earth today…we follow after Him…He lives in us…but we are not Him!!! I never said that!! Nor did I say the Pope was an apostle…

 

[Patavium]

oh goodness…but I am clearly not saying the pope…any bishop …or priest…or minister…or christian is Jesus walking this earth today…we follow after Him…He lives in us…but we are not Him!!! I never said that!! Nor did I say the Pope was an apostle…

I can’t disagree with this

The Pope lives as the Pope lives, and Jesus lived as Jesus lived, and each of the Apostles lived as each of them lived.

God bless you, friend.

 

[KathleenGee]

Christ came into this world poor and suffering.

He will return in glory and splendor.

The other point is…would a groom Who is King want to stand beside a ragged bride? Would not He want to provide for her…as what He does for her is a reflection of how He considers Himself?

We have Jesus present in our tabernacles…His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity and He deserves the highest regard of anyone or anything of creation to adorn Him.

Finally, I have read on this one very anti-Catholic site that the Pope is a man god. Of course we do not look at the Holy Father as such. But Christ designated to have one head to His church, Peter set aside from His apostles…not a conciliar model.

The Holy Father is the sign of communion of all believers in union with the Holy Trinity. The Holy Father is given the sole position of Living Revelation…meaning, when he speaks in communion with all the bishops of the world and drawing on our deposit of faith…He is speaking in union with Jesus today.

Just research and see the teachings of the Holy Father for today’s world. You will not find the speech of an anti-Christ or bigot or maligner, but someone who is calling the world to Christ and the life of grace.

There will come a day when not even one single building will stand…be it Catholic or Protestant churches, mosques, secular buildings, and private homes. This will be the day of the coming of the Lord in glory to bring us a new heaven and a new earth.

 

[Stilldreamn]

My youngest son is 14, and he is completely fascinated with the Pope at the moment, The other evening we spent nearly 2 hours looking up information on the history of the papacy, the Vatican, and everything Roman Catholic. At the end, Jacob said, “Mom, they sure are good stewards of God’s treasures, aren’t they?”

I agree. And thank you for being so!

 

[KathleenGee]

A wise son with a pure heart who can see God’s holy work.

 

[rinnie]

You assume the Pope is comparable to Jesus Christ. No one can compare to Jesus Christ. You also assume the Pope has the same purpose as Jesus Christ. Jesus main purpose was to die for our salvation, and then he also did other acts which were secondary purposes such as clarification of the mosaic law.

“Apostolic succession” DOES NOT mean that the Pope, or any other bishop, succeeds to the full office of an Apostle. That is not the Catholic claim at all. Rather, “Apostolic succession” maintains that a Pope, or a particular bishop, succeeds FROM an Apostle or Apostles. It, in no way, implies that this Pope or this bishop is now an Apostle himself.

Furthermore, it in no way implies that this Pope or this bishop is Divinely-inspired (as the Apostles were), or infallible (in the sense that the Apostles were), or that they are the originators of new, Christ-given revelation (as the Apostles were). Rather, the Pope and his brother bishops are merely the authoritative, Spirit-protected guardians of revelation (i.e. the Apostolic Deposit of Faith) that has already been delivered to us, in full, by the Apostles. Catholics clearly believe, only God can commission someone to be an Apostle.

While a Pope, or another bishop, may not succeed to the full office of an Apostle (e.g. the Apostle Peter), they do succeed to a dimension of the Apostolic office: and that is the episcopal dimension of the Apostolic office. In other words, all Apostles, as part of their Apostolic calling, were also bishops (e.g. “overseers” – pastors of the flock). Peter calls himself a “presbyter” among other (non-Apostle) presbyters in 1 Peter 5:1, as does the Apostle John in 2 John 1 and 3 John 1. Here, it is important to note that, at the time the New Testament was written, the terms “bishop” (“overseer”) and “presbyter” (“senior” / “elder” – which would eventually evolve into our English word “priest”) were still being used interchangeably (and this is more than understandable, given that all Catholic bishops are also priests).

And so, when the Bishop of Rome says that he is the successor of the Apostle Peter, or when the Bishop of Ephesus says that he is the successor of the Apostle John, they are referring to the episcopal offices held by Peter (1 Peter 5:1) and by John (2 John 1), and not to the full measure of their Apostolic ministries.

Only God can appoint an Apostle. Such was clearly the case with the Apostle Paul, who did not succeed from any of the Twelve (the Twelve were made Apostles to the Jewish people, by the way), but was called directly by Christ Himself to be an Apostle to the Gentiles. So, it is certainly true that no human authority made St. Paul an Apostle. However, if you read Acts 13:1-3, you will clearly see that a human authority (i.e., the bishops of the church of Antioch) DID appoint both Paul and Barnabas, by the laying on of hands, to their episcopal offices (thereby giving them the authority to found other churches and to ordain other presbyters within them: Acts 14:23). Before this time, neither Paul nor Barnabas ordained anyone, nor did they claim the authority to found any churches (but merely, in Paul’s case, to preach the Good News, which is the function of an Apostle). Yet, only a bishop can ordain or establish churches; and a bishop is also subject to Church hierarchy and submits to it when necessary (e.g. Acts 15:2).

In summary, the Pope IS NOT Jesus Christ, and IS NOT an Apostle. The Pope is the overseer of the Church on earth, and by giving up the central authority of the Church, it will only lead to weaken the Church. We already know what happens when the central authority is not there (see Protestantism). This is a nonsense argument that only seeks to weaken the Church.

I agree that the Pope is not Jesus, But I disagree that he is not a Apostle of Christ. When the APostles died they handed down the power given to them by Christ by the Laying of hands. This is called Holy Orders.

Christ promised us he would not leave us orphans. He would send to advocate to lead us until the end of time through his appointed through the RCC.

What power do you feel that St Peter had given to him, that was held back from the present Pope?

Christ said to Saint Peter when they hear you they hear me. When the Pope speaks in the name of God when we hear the Pope we hear Christ.

If the Pope is not an Apostle of Christ how can he carry Apostolic authority and speak in his name.

Do you see what I am saying?

I do not have Apostolic authority, so I am not an Apostle of Christ and cannot speak in his name. But the Pope can.

We are all called to be Disciples of Christ and spread the good news. But not speak in the name of Christ and teach in his name. The Pope can. Did not an Apostle mean has authority to teach and speak in the name of Christ?

 

[rinnie]

An Apostle means to be a delegate one sent forth with orders. I believe that fits the Pope and the Bishops with him.