E9: The Pope (Catholic or Protestant: What's the Difference?)

For Episodes 2-10 we'll be diving into the 9 key differences between Catholicism and Protestantism in a series called Catholic or Protestant: What's the Difference?

In today's episode we'll be talking about the Pope and why we have one! We'll explore the Biblical roots of the Papacy as well as gain an authentic understanding of Papal Infallibility and the various levels of magisterial teaching. Lastly, we'll learn how to pray for our Holy Father.

Bible Passages Quoted:
-Matthew 16:18-19
-Matthew 10:2
-Acts of the Apostles (see 3rd resource below)

Resources:
Why Catholics Have A Pope | Fr. Mike Schmitz
Popes 101 | Catholic Central
The Papacy in Scripture: No Rocks Required | Catholic Answers
Papal Infallibility | Catholic Answers
Four Levels of the Church's Teaching | EWTN
Does God Pick the Pope? | Catholic Answers

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Transcript

• The Pope serves as the successor of Peter—the Vicar of Christ to the whole world. He has been given jurisdiction over the universal Church and is Servant to the Servants of Christ. He is the Supreme Pontiff, the leader of the Church Militant. The leader of the Magisterium.
o Remember that the Magisterium is the teaching office of the Church composed of all the Bishops. The Pope leads the Magisterium and remains in constant communication with his fellow Bishops as the Church makes the journey into deeper truth.
• The Pope is elected by the college of cardinals from among them – Cardinals = Bishops who have been appointed with more governing authority by the Pope. They enter into a sealed room in a conclave where they invoke the Holy Spirit and cast their votes. In order for a new Pope to be elected, they have to receive at least 2/3rds of the vote. There’s a really wonderful video from Catholic Central in the resources that includes an overview of how the conclave works.
• Biblical Evidence for the Papacy
o The big one = Matthew 16:18-19 = “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
 Jesus here promises infallible authority to Peter that would empower him to speak in the place of Christ, or as his vicar/representative on earth.
 The Greek for “Peter” is “Cephas,” which means “permanent, unmovable rock” – throughout the book of Acts and in Paul’s letters you’ll see Peter and Cephas used interchangeably.
o Matthew 10:2 – “In the context of the calling and listing of the twelve apostles, Peter is referred to as “the first” apostle. We know this does not mean “first” chronologically because Peter was not the first called by Christ in time—Andrew was (see John 1:40-41). The Greek word, protos—“first”—often denotes a sense of preeminence, or even a primacy in authority, not necessarily simply being “first” in time. It can be translated as “chief.” (from Catholic Answers)
o The Acts of the Apostles has Peter referred to as the head of the Church many times. Most especially as the apostles choose a successor of Judas, they embark on the evangelization of the Gentiles, and at the council at Jerusalem where the question of gentile circumcision was debated. 
• Papal Infallibility Explained 
o Ex Cathedra = “from the chair [of Peter]” = an infallible declaration made by the Pope with the full authority of the Papal office on matters pertaining to faith and morals. (made only twice in history – Immaculate Conception & Assumption)
o More often than not, the Pope teaches at a level that requires what we call “Religious Submission of Intellect and Will” through Non-Definitive Teachings.
 WE STILL OWE THESE TEACHINGS BELIEF, but not the same level of belief as things that are dogmatically defined (Resurrection, Trinity, Eucharist, Immaculate Conception, etc). Though they are classified as “non-definitive teachings,” it DOES NOT mean that these are simply “probably” or that we’re uncertain—it only means that they are not DIRECTLY linked with what has come to us through Divine Revelation. (An example of this teaching would be JP2’s encyclical “Evangelium Vitae” where he declared the immorality of capital punishment – the death penalty)
• From EWTN on non-definitive teaching: “in a criminal trial, the judge will tell the jury they must find the evidence proves guilt beyond reasonable doubt. He does not demand that every tiny doubt be ruled out, even though it may mean life in prison or death. If one should make a mistake by following the fourth level of Church teaching [those that are non-definitive,] when he comes before the Divine Judge, the Judge will not blame him, rather He will praise him. But if a person errs by breaking with the Church on the plea that he knew better - that will not be easily accepted.”
• It’s not a matter of personal conscience, rather, a humble obedience to the Magisterium of the Church and her devout theologians. 
• Reality of the Human Element of the Church
o Throughout history, there have been a few undesirable Popes who have abused their power for personal gain rather than acting as shepherd of the flock entrusted to their care. 
 If you look back through the history of the Church, there are many more cases of good, holy Popes that led the faithful well than those who were misleading or corrupt. 
o We must always remember that, though given extraordinary graces in being elected, the Pope is human too and in great need of our prayers. (popular tradition of offering up the first ‘Our Father’ each time we pray the rosary for the Holy Father and his intentions)