Continuing with the exploration and reflection through a series of articles written in a conversational language about Catholicism, about God, about Jesus, about the Church and many other faith related topics. Here we present:

Question 29 – Why is there a pope?  

The Catholic* Church* is like a ship that has been on the move for 2000 years. That ship has about 1.3 billion people on board, spread all over the world. A ship like that could use a good helmsman. This is the pope*, the bishop* of Rome. He is the successor of Peter*, who at the time Jesus* appointed as the first of the apostles*. Peter’s tomb is in Rome. This is why Rome has gradually become the centre of the Catholic Church.

The pope’s task is to ensure that the Church remains one. He also makes sure that the faith that Jesus himself gave to the people is passed on faithfully from one generation to the next. He does all this together with the other bishops. Sometimes one or the other point of Jesus’ message is not in fashion. However, the Church is not a democracy in which a majority can vote to abolish or change such a point. The Catholic Church has a hierarchical structure, with the pope as the person ultimately responsible. Together with the other bishops he leads the Catholic believers.

Some beliefs belong to the unchangeable core of the faith. Other aspects are more a matter of interpretation or adaptation to culture, and therefore are changeable. The distinction is not always easy. It is the task of the pope to make the final decision. This may lead to personal unpopularity, especially with some who are wrong. That is why it is sometimes said laughingly that there is only one thing worse than a pope: no pope! Then you are up a creek without a paddle!

– How do you deal with points of faith that are difficult for you?
– Do you think it’s a good thing that there’s a pope?

Watch this space! Coming up:   Question 30 – Could the pope be mistaken?     

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If you wish to learn more about this resource follow this link  “52 Questions and Answers about faith”

About the author:

Nikolaas Sintobin, SJ, joined the Society of Jesus in 1989, following a short career as a lawyer. He was trained as a Jesuit in Brussels, Paris, and Santiago de Chile. Today he is a spiritual director who is keenly interested in online ministry and discovering new ways to help people find God.

This text is republished with the permission of Messenger Publications, Ireland. To buy a hard copy of the book click here.