In some sense its true. I would argue that the Pope *is *first among equals. We Catholics emphasize that he is first among equals. The Orthodox emphasize that he is first among equals. As far as the power of orders is concerned, all bishops are equals. There is no fourth degree of Holy Orders. The Pope is a bishop…period. The contention is over power of jurisdiction. I think that’s a good starting point…something we can agree on to some extent.
Its also important to remember that our understanding of the papacy has developed overtime. It is unhelpful if Catholics suggest that, say, the 7th century papacy operated as the 21st century papacy did. Of course the Pope did not micromanage the Church nor appoint bishops in the manner he does today.
