He is the head of the Church on earth and the Magisterium with teachings and traditions dating back to the time of the Apostles. The Catholic and Orthodox churches trace their bishops' lineage back to the Apostles through Apostolic Succession. Jesus did vest in his Apostles the authority to go forth and spread His message and found His churches. We see it as a strong foundation for the faith and a bulwark against heresies that creep in when everybody is his own pope.

Is the Pope a mediator for my relationship to Christ? No, I don't pray to the Pope.

For Catholics, we do believe that priests are empowered, on God's behalf, to absolve us of sins that we confess to them. (John 20: 21-23). Does God require a priest to forgive our sins? No. But if we confess them to a priest, the priest is empowered to absolve them, and on a practical level, I believe a person's conscience is eased when speaking about it to another person. (See AA 5th Step)

Why does it matter who is or who is not the Pope? Well, I believe that the next conclave will choose whoever is meant to be, so that's not really a question I concern myself with.

Well put.

The Pope is not a mediator between God and man. Only Christ is. The Pope is simply Christ's vicar — shepherding the sheep of the visible Church in His name ...

Actually it took hundreds of years for people to have the nerve to claim the role of pope. There were some spicy comments as the efforts started.

For example, Gregory the Great (regarded as the 64th pope) said:


Here's a catholic source for the Gregory quote

a relevant scripture, when people consider changing Christianity

Thank you for the sincere replies Akjust, Northwest Yote, Cooncatcher, and Ltrman. I grew up around Catholics my whole life; many of which are my best friends, but we never really discuss the logistics of our beliefs. I was raised a protestants amongst Catholics and we all got along and did business with each other; just never went to the same Church.

Last couple of days, the passing of the Pope has been all over the news and who will replace him. I never thought about it much so reached out. I also reached out to my best friend and asked the same question.
This was his response......

"The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church. He appoints clergy under him like bishops. He largely influences the direction of the Catholic Church take on issues and is a "lobbyist" for Catholic faith and works with leaders on issues."

I certainly respect that; and all that you have said. I see the importance now. Thanks, Chancey