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| The Emperor of Ethiopia, with His Holiness Pope Paul VI |
| As someone who is on principle steadfastly loyal to the 'Pontifex Maximus' I would like to make a few comments here in defence of the Roman Papacy from some of the many verbal attacks made against the Throne of St Peter as well as putting a few myths to rest. As someone coming from a largely Protestant background, I know that a great many of the things Catholics dismiss as wild stories are believed by many people. |
| First of all, Catholics do not worship the Pope (shocking isn't it). Believe it or not, we don't worship the Virgin Mary either, but that's another story. The Pope is the visable Head of the Catholic Church but Christ is the invisible Head, and the one in whom all power is vested and the only one that is worshiped. The Pope is the "Vicar of Christ", which means he speaks on behalf of Jesus. People who have a problem with this should simply read their Bible, in every place, in every era God has always provided someone to speak on His behalf, He has never left his people to 'grope in the dark' as it were. Some people also have a problem with the Pope's title. The Pontif is called, The Holy Father -- not to be confused with GOD the Father. Undoubtedly someone will mention the verse that says "call no man father". However, this is an easily foiled peace of propaganda since no one reads the rest of the verse which also says, "call no man teacher", which we do everyday and think nothing of it. The point of that scripture was to warn people against following break away sects led by false teachers. Again, read the Bible and you will see where the title of Father is used by the apsotles. The principle of Papal infallibility is also one that sends many Protestants into orbit. However, here again a lack of information and understanding is at fault. The problem is, many people have a personal bias against the Catholic Faith and don't want to understand these things. The Pope is infallible, not impeccable. He is not perfect, which is why the Holy Father himself goes to confession. Popes can sin and they can make mistakes in many areas. The doctrine of Papal infallibility covers only areas of the faith and morals when His Holiness speaks ex cathedra, by virtue of his office using his position as the Vicar of Christ in which case, Christ's promise that the very gates of Hell would not prevail against His church insures that He would not allow the Pope to make a false statement. |
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| His Holiness Pope Pius VII |
| Still, even with all of these explanations, there are still a great many people, whether non-believers or Protestant Christians, who simply believe that having a Pope at all is wrong, quote scripture until you're blue in the face and they still think that giving someone such authority and treating him with such respect and devotion is absolutely wrong. First of all, I can say to this, we do not give the Pope his authority--God does, whether we like it or not. The same was once the case for nations with royalty, but sadly that has been changing too. However, the best I can say to this is, it beats the alternative. Although it does not apply to everyone, there are in fact several Protestant "Popes", and no I'm not joking. |
| I am speaking predominately of the great television evangelists. Not all of which are bad, don't get me wrong, and out of respect for the beliefs of others I'll mention no names, but here's some facts. Many people who condemn Catholics for upholding Papal infallibility also hold their favorite TV preacher to be just as infallible, though they don't come right out and say it. They believe whatever he tells them and takes whatever he says as if it were the word of God. They live lives of great luxury and have often been caught with their hand in the collection plate. They also always have something to sell you, whereas the Pope and all that goes with the office is kept up solely by donation, and he seems to be doing fine. The simple fact is, you don't have to have a church leader with titles, a crown and a palace to put him or her above God in your heart. I have said the same thing about royalty versus politicians. They may not have the titles & trappings but there are many politicians who think they themselves are gods. |
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| His Holiness Pope Benedict XV |
| One does not need titles or luxury to be arrogant and people from a variety of churches have dealt with the problem of placing a person above God. What is important is that we do not judge by the group and do not tear each other down over our differences. It is for this very reason that I don't want to speak badly of any particular preachers that I don't agree with, however, I would ask that in return, even if you do not agree with me or my Church, you would at least refrain from spreading lies and false rumors about the Pope and perhaps even give credit where credit is due. |
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| Music is the anthem of the Holy See |