A New Pope? Indeed, should there be one at all?
The man given the position as head of the Catholic church is called Pope, meaning “father” and indeed almost all priests of the Catholic church are called “father”. Jesus, however, said to call no man father on the earth for only God in heaven is our Father (see Matthew 23:9).
The pope is also called “Holy father”, a term used only once in scripture as Jesus addressed His Father, Almighty God (see John 17:11). What part of pious humility compels a man to accept such revered homage when the Son of God Himself reserved it solely for God?
Does God recognize anyone besides Jesus to be the head of the church? Jesus alone has been given the name that is above every name and been made head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:21-22. When did God change this ruling, putting the headship of His Son’s bride into the hands of men?
Why is marriage denied for the pope as well as all others called priests? Paul said that he had a right, as did all of the apostles, to have a wife (see 1st Corinthians 9:1-5).
Not only did the apostles have a right to marry, the apostle Peter whom the Catholic Church claims to be the first pope, was indeed married. Jesus healed his mother-in-law of a fever (see Matthew 8:14-15), which is conclusive evidence that the man had a wife. Do you know any other way to have a mother-in-law? So then, has this teaching of celibacy come from God, or from man?
In fact, a man has to be married to qualify to serve as either an elder or a deacon in the Lord’s church according to 1st Timothy 3:2 & Titus 1:6. Paul also wrote to the Corinthian church (1st Corinthians 7:1-5) teaching them that every man should have his own wife and every woman her own husband in order to avoid immorality.
This same apostle warned that the time would come when men would forbid marriage and the eating of certain meats, 1st Timothy 4:1-3. Have none of the Popes read this passage, or the others, down through the centuries?
Is any man who sets aside such clear Bible teaching really to be considered the Vicar of Christ on the earth? Even that descriptive title came from some source other than God. At least you’ll not find it in any scripture penned by the apostles or New Testament prophets.
As many celebrate the selection of a new pope, others who read their Bibles are asking why there should be one at all.