Spirituality

The Pope

quick ideas about the Pope. Benefits of the presence of the Pope. Biblical texts about the Pope.

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A. The Pope in general

1. Who is the Pope?

The Pope is the successor of Saint Peter, chosen by God to lead the Church. With divine assistance, he must preserve and transmit the teachings of Jesus Christ.

2. Why is it good that the Pope exists?

Our Lord Jesus Christ willed that the figure of the Pope exist because of the abundant benefits it provides:
  • The Pope gives unity to the Church.
  • He provides doctrinal security in the face of errors in faith and conduct.
  • He facilitates the correct development of the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
  • He ensures the correct interpretation of the Bible, avoiding errors and divisions.
  • He provides bishops with independence from temporal authority.

3. Does the Pope not make mistakes?

The Lord watches over his Church and assists the Pope so that he does not err when he defines doctrines of faith or morals. This is what is called infallibility.

4. How do we know that the current Pope is the successor of Peter?

The complete list of the popes is known. It is a historical fact.

5. How do we know that Jesus Christ willed there to be a Pope?

We know it for several reasons:
  • He chose Peter.
  • The early Christians knew it very clearly.
  • Heresies are usually accompanied by separation from the Pope.
  • The saints coincide in a great love and obedience to the Pope.
  • The Bible says so in various passages.

B. Biblical texts about the Pope

1. What did Jesus Christ say about the Pope?

  • "I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." (Mt 16:18) (Peter is the foundational rock on which the Church is built: without Peter there is no Church of Christ.)
  • "I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Mt 16:19). (Giving the keys of the city means allowing entry or not.)
  • "Feed my sheep" (Jn 21:15-17). (Care for, lead, guide Christians.)
  • "I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren" (Lk 22:32). (His faith will not fail; and he will confirm the faith of others.)

2. How did the Pope act among the early Christians?

  • It is Peter who decides to replace Judas: "In those days Peter stood up among the brethren — the company of persons was in all about a hundred and twenty — and said:..." (Acts 1:15).
  • It is Peter who speaks to the people at Pentecost: "But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them:..." (Acts 2:14).
  • It is Peter who accepts the Gentiles without the need for circumcision. This suppression of circumcision is a very notable fact indicating that Peter acts in the name of God, for it was God who instituted circumcision. (Acts 10 and 11).