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'''Pope''' (from Greek πάππας ''pappas'', father)<ref>pope: [https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=pope American Heritage Dictionary] </ref> is the primary designation of the official title of each of the primary heads (''on earth'') of four Christian Churches<ref>[https://www.quora.com/How-many-popes-are-there How Many Popes Are There? (quora.com)]</ref> who exercise '''[[patriarch]]al''' primacy (from Latin ''patriarcha'', from Greek ''patriarkhēs'' head of a family, from ''patria'' family, clan, lineage, and ''archein'' to rule)<ref>patriarch: [https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=patriarch American Heritage Dictionary] </ref>:

'''Pope''' (from Greek πάππας ''pappas'', father)<ref>pope: [https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=pope American Heritage Dictionary]</ref> is the primary designation of the official title of each of the primary heads (''on earth'') of four Christian Churches<ref>[https://www.quora.com/How-many-popes-are-there How Many Popes Are There? (quora.com)]</ref> who exercise '''[[patriarch]]al''' primacy (from Latin ''patriarcha'', from Greek ''patriarkhēs'' head of a family, from ''patria'' family, clan, lineage, and ''archein'' to rule):<ref>patriarch: [https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=patriarch American Heritage Dictionary]</ref>

*The Pope and Ecumenical Patriarch of the [[Catholic Church]] and Patriarch of the West  

*The Pope and Ecumenical Patriarch of the [[Catholic Church]] and Patriarch of the West  

*The Pope of the Greek [[Orthodox Church]] of Alexandria and Patriarch of All-Africa (Calcedonian)<ref>[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Alexandria Church of Alexandria (orthodoxwiki.org)]</ref>

*The Pope of the Greek [[Orthodox Church]] of Alexandria and Patriarch of All-Africa (Calcedonian)<ref>[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Alexandria Church of Alexandria (orthodoxwiki.org)]</ref>

The meaning of this text within the historical and cultural context of first century Judea is that no male parent is to be regarded as the true father of any son or daughter naturally sired by him—as middle eastern cultural tradition taught each child to regard him—with an absolute claim to personal loyalty and obedience, above and apart from any other consideration of affection, respect, duty and reverence they might owe to another, to mother or sibling or spouse or children or friend or comrade-in-arms or teacher or commander or king or country, or even life itself. Tradition demanded absolute allegiance, respect and obedience. See [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/exodus/20-12.htm Exodus 20:12 commentaries].

The meaning of this text within the historical and cultural context of first century Judea is that no male parent is to be regarded as the true father of any son or daughter naturally sired by him—as middle eastern cultural tradition taught each child to regard him—with an absolute claim to personal loyalty and obedience, above and apart from any other consideration of affection, respect, duty and reverence they might owe to another, to mother or sibling or spouse or children or friend or comrade-in-arms or teacher or commander or king or country, or even life itself. Tradition demanded absolute allegiance, respect and obedience. See [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/exodus/20-12.htm Exodus 20:12 commentaries].

Students who came to regard their teachers and [[rabbi]]s with reverent affection and loyalty, even [[awe]], for imparting the knowledge of [[Torah]] to them, were traditionally encouraged to address them as "my father" and to regard them as their spiritual fathers, to whom they owed everything, honor, reverence, even their lives. The rabbi was also revered as being a figure closer to '''[[God]]''' than anyone else in the community<ref>[http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/Rabbis.html Jewish Concepts: Rabbi (jewishvirtuallibrary.org)]</ref>. Jesus is setting them free of the tradition of unquestioning imitation of those abusers of legitimate Jewish authority, who set aside the substance of the teaching of Moses and the scriptures for the sake of their own self-promoting customs and ritual traditions.

Students who came to regard their teachers and [[rabbi]]s with reverent affection and loyalty, even [[awe]], for imparting the knowledge of [[Torah]] to them, were traditionally encouraged to address them as "my father" and to regard them as their spiritual fathers, to whom they owed everything, honor, reverence, even their lives. The rabbi was also revered as being a figure closer to '''[[God]]''' than anyone else in the community.<ref>[http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/Rabbis.html Jewish Concepts: Rabbi (jewishvirtuallibrary.org)]</ref> Jesus is setting them free of the tradition of unquestioning imitation of those abusers of legitimate Jewish authority, who set aside the substance of the teaching of Moses and the scriptures for the sake of their own self-promoting customs and ritual traditions.

This text in Matthew 23:9 has been cited as condemning any use of the word "father" as an address or title of respect to any man, as if it said, "''Call no man on earth, 'father'...''". However, this is a defective reading of the meaning of the text, because a word has been ''removed'' by such a reading (interpretation) of the text. Against this reading, multiple passages in sacred scripture itself demonstrate that the apostles and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ addressed others as "''father''" and were themselves called "''father''".  

This text in Matthew 23:9 has been cited as condemning any use of the word "father" as an address or title of respect to any man, as if it said, "''Call no man on earth, 'father'...''". However, this is a defective reading of the meaning of the text, because a word has been ''removed'' by such a reading (interpretation) of the text. Against this reading, multiple passages in sacred scripture itself demonstrate that the apostles and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ addressed others as "''father''" and were themselves called "''father''".  

:*ABE Aramaic Bible in English

:*ABE Aramaic Bible in English

In the early centuries of Christianity, the title of Father (Greek ''pappas, papa, pape'' "''pap-eh''") was applied, especially in the east, to all bishops and other senior clergy<ref>"Pope", Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Oxford University Press, 2005, ISBN 978-0-19-280290-3</ref>, and later became reserved in the west to the Bishop of Rome, a reservation made official only in the 11th century<ref>See the following five sources:

In the early centuries of Christianity, the title of Father (Greek ''pappas, papa, pape'' "''pap-eh''") was applied, especially in the east, to all bishops and other senior clergy,<ref>"Pope", Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Oxford University Press, 2005, ISBN 978-0-19-280290-3</ref> and later became reserved in the west to the Bishop of Rome, a reservation made official only in the 11th century.<ref>See the following five sources:

*Elwell, Walter A. (2001). ''Evangelical Dictionary of Theology''. Baker Academic. p. 888. ISBN 9780801020759.  

*Elwell, Walter A. (2001). ''Evangelical Dictionary of Theology''. Baker Academic. p. 888. ISBN 9780801020759.  

*Greer, Thomas H.; Gavin Lewis (2004). A Brief History of the Western World. Cengage Learning. p. 172. ISBN 9780534642365.  

*Greer, Thomas H.; Gavin Lewis (2004). A Brief History of the Western World. Cengage Learning. p. 172. ISBN 9780534642365.  

*Mazza, Enrico (2004). The Eucharistic Prayers of the Roman Rite. Liturgical Press. p. 63. ISBN 9780814660782.  

*Mazza, Enrico (2004). The Eucharistic Prayers of the Roman Rite. Liturgical Press. p. 63. ISBN 9780814660782.  

*O'Malley, John W. (2009). A History of the Popes. Government Institutes. p. xv. ISBN 9781580512275.  

*O'Malley, John W. (2009). A History of the Popes. Government Institutes. p. xv. ISBN 9781580512275.  

*Schatz, Klaus (1996). Papal Primacy. Liturgical Press. pp. 28–29. ISBN 9780814655221. </ref>. The earliest record of the use of this title was in regard to the by then deceased Patriarch of Alexandria, Pope Heraclas of Alexandria (232–248)<ref>Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiastica Book VII, chapter 7.7</ref>. The earliest recorded use of the title "pope" in English dates to the mid-10th century, when it was used in reference to Pope [[Vitalian]] in an Old English translation of Bede's ''Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum''<ref>"pope, n.1". OED Online. September 2011. Oxford University Press. 21 November 2011</ref>—however, in the particular case of Vitalian, the term was applied [[Irony|ironically]] as a form of [[sarcasm]].

*Schatz, Klaus (1996). Papal Primacy. Liturgical Press. pp. 28–29. ISBN 9780814655221.</ref> The earliest record of the use of this title was in regard to the by then deceased Patriarch of Alexandria, Pope Heraclas of Alexandria (232–248).<ref>Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiastica Book VII, chapter 7.7</ref> The earliest recorded use of the title "pope" in English dates to the mid-10th century, when it was used in reference to Pope [[Vitalian]] in an Old English translation of Bede's ''Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum''<ref>"pope, n.1". OED Online. September 2011. Oxford University Press. 21 November 2011</ref>—however, in the particular case of Vitalian, the term was applied [[Irony|ironically]] as a form of [[sarcasm]].

==Supreme Pontiff==

==Supreme Pontiff==

The Pope and Ecumenical Patriarch of the Catholic Church is the head of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] (the Latin Rite of the [[Catholic Church]]). Throughout the world "'''The Pope'''" (as a title, without specification) is universally understood to designate the Patriarch of the West. His Catholic titles include Bishop of Rome, in which position he is considered by Roman Catholics to be the successor of [[Saint Peter|St. Peter]]. The Pope is the chief pastor of the whole Church Catholic, the "Vicar of Christ upon earth." <ref>Until 1870 he also was the secular ruler of an independent country in central Italy, the Papal States. Since 1929 the Pope rules Vatican City, an independent country inside the city of Rome.</ref> ''Summus pontifex'' and ''Pontifex maximus (Supreme Pontiff)'' are titles of dignity<ref>[http://www.liquisearch.com/pontifex_maximus/roman_catholic_use_of_the_title Pontifex Maximus - Roman Catholic Use of The Title (liquisearch.com)]</ref>. In ancient Rome ''pontifex maximus'' was the title of the chief priest of Rome, the Roman Pontiff.

The Pope and Ecumenical Patriarch of the Catholic Church is the head of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] (the Latin Rite of the [[Catholic Church]]). Throughout the world "'''The Pope'''" (as a title, without specification) is universally understood to designate the Patriarch of the West. His Catholic titles include Bishop of Rome, in which position he is considered by Roman Catholics to be the successor of [[Saint Peter|St. Peter]]. The Pope is the chief pastor of the whole Church Catholic, the "Vicar of Christ upon earth." <ref>Until 1870 he also was the secular ruler of an independent country in central Italy, the Papal States. Since 1929 the Pope rules Vatican City, an independent country inside the city of Rome.</ref> ''Summus pontifex'' and ''Pontifex maximus (Supreme Pontiff)'' are titles of dignity.<ref>[http://www.liquisearch.com/pontifex_maximus/roman_catholic_use_of_the_title Pontifex Maximus - Roman Catholic Use of The Title (liquisearch.com)]</ref> In ancient Rome ''pontifex maximus'' was the title of the chief priest of Rome, the Roman Pontiff.

He appoints all the cardinals and bishops, but otherwise has limited control over them. Catholics consider him infallible in certain (rare) proclamations, and cite the Bible in support of that belief:

He appoints all the cardinals and bishops, but otherwise has limited control over them. Catholics consider him infallible in certain (rare) proclamations, and cite the Bible in support of that belief:

== Controversy ==

== Controversy ==

The Pope is claimed to be infallible in matters of doctrine<ref>See [http://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/halsall/source/g7-dictpap.asp ''Dictatus Papae''. Medieval Sourcebook: Gregory VII: Dictatus Papae 1090]</ref>. The concept of [[Papal Infallibility]] (1870) is used to proclaim articles of faith, which are essential for adherents to be truly Catholic. These articles are therefore considered to be a Dogmatic definition. Such pronouncements are rare, and the concept does not mean that Catholics are to believe everything that the Pope says is correct. The last issue was asserting the [[Assumption of Mary]].

The Pope is claimed to be infallible in matters of doctrine.<ref>See [http://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/halsall/source/g7-dictpap.asp ''Dictatus Papae''. Medieval Sourcebook: Gregory VII: Dictatus Papae 1090]</ref> The concept of [[Papal Infallibility]] (1870) is used to proclaim articles of faith, which are essential for adherents to be truly Catholic. These articles are therefore considered to be a Dogmatic definition. Such pronouncements are rare, and the concept does not mean that Catholics are to believe everything that the Pope says is correct. The last issue was asserting the [[Assumption of Mary]].

The [[First Vatican Council]], of 1870, anathematized all who dispute the Pope's primacy of honor and of jurisdiction (it is lawful to discuss the precise nature of that primacy, provided that such discussion does not violate the terms of the Council's Dogmatic Constitution). The [[Second Vatican Council]] of 1965 '''modified''' many of the dictates of 1870.

The [[First Vatican Council]], of 1870, anathematized all who dispute the Pope's primacy of honor and of jurisdiction (it is lawful to discuss the precise nature of that primacy, provided that such discussion does not violate the terms of the Council's Dogmatic Constitution). The [[Second Vatican Council]] of 1965 '''modified''' many of the dictates of 1870.

Critics of the papacy claim that past popes who claimed successorship to St. Peter, such as [[Pope Callixtus III]] and [[Pope Alexander VI]] from the Borgia family, were so corrupt as to be unfit to wield power. A just and loving [[God]], they claim, would not have given such people the powers claimed for them by the Catholic Church, if the Holy Spirit were truly in the Catholic Church and infallibly guiding it by His divine power: such men would never have been elected. Opponents of these critics reply that even the worst popes failed to wreck the apostolic traditions of the Church, which have been faithfully handed down and preserved intact and defended and rightly interpreted by the Church's Living [[Magisterium]]. They point out that Jesus even knowingly chose [[Judas Iscariot]] (one of the [[Twelve Apostles|Twelve]] whom Jesus said was "a devil", John 6:70-71), and not even the [[sin]] and betrayal of this validly appointed apostle could invalidate his work and teaching.

Critics of the papacy claim that past popes who claimed successorship to St. Peter, such as [[Pope Callixtus III]] and [[Pope Alexander VI]] from the Borgia family, were so corrupt as to be unfit to wield power. A just and loving [[God]], they claim, would not have given such people the powers claimed for them by the Catholic Church, if the Holy Spirit were truly in the Catholic Church and infallibly guiding it by His divine power: such men would never have been elected. Opponents of these critics reply that even the worst popes failed to wreck the apostolic traditions of the Church, which have been faithfully handed down and preserved intact and defended and rightly interpreted by the Church's Living [[Magisterium]]. They point out that Jesus even knowingly chose [[Judas Iscariot]] (one of the [[Twelve Apostles|Twelve]] whom Jesus said was "a devil", John 6:70-71), and not even the [[sin]] and betrayal of this validly appointed apostle could invalidate his work and teaching.

Professional historians are generally agreed that at least four or five Popes were guilty of serious moral lapses, perhaps more. Some critics of the Church have tried to use this documented factual information to undermine the Catholic teaching on infallibility by confusing ''infallibility'' with ''impeccability''. Infallibility is the divinely imposed inability of the Holy Father to teach error when he speaks [[ex cathedra]] on a matter of faith and morals which must be finally clearly defined and settled, but impeccability would be a divinely imposed inability of the Holy Father to commit any sin. The Church has never claimed impeccability for any Pope, although many of them have lived lives of extraordinary [[Saint|holiness]], because we are all sinners<ref>Romans 3:23-26; 1 Timothy 1:16.</ref>, but it has claimed the unmerited charism of ''infallibility of teaching'' for every Pope, because of Christ's promises of the abiding presence and guidance of the [[Holy Spirit]] to lead us into all truth forever, the commandment to "''obey your leaders and submit to them''"<ref>[http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/hebrews/13-17.htm Hebrews 13:17]</ref>, and his promises to be with His Church all days, and that the gates of Hell shall never prevail against it, even if "''fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.''"<ref>Acts 20:29-30</ref>.

Professional historians are generally agreed that at least four or five Popes were guilty of serious moral lapses, perhaps more. Some critics of the Church have tried to use this documented factual information to undermine the Catholic teaching on infallibility by confusing ''infallibility'' with ''impeccability''. Infallibility is the divinely imposed inability of the Holy Father to teach error when he speaks [[ex cathedra]] on a matter of faith and morals which must be finally clearly defined and settled, but impeccability would be a divinely imposed inability of the Holy Father to commit any sin. The Church has never claimed impeccability for any Pope, although many of them have lived lives of extraordinary [[Saint|holiness]], because we are all sinners,<ref>Romans 3:23-26; 1 Timothy 1:16.</ref> but it has claimed the unmerited charism of ''infallibility of teaching'' for every Pope, because of Christ's promises of the abiding presence and guidance of the [[Holy Spirit]] to lead us into all truth forever, the commandment to "''obey your leaders and submit to them''",<ref>[http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/hebrews/13-17.htm Hebrews 13:17]</ref> and his promises to be with His Church all days, and that the gates of Hell shall never prevail against it, even if "''fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.''".<ref>Acts 20:29-30</ref>  

   

   

The established fact that some popes were wicked in their private lives is no argument against the truth of the doctrine and dogma of the Catholic Church, no more than proven immoral conduct by an American president is an argument against the goodness of the United States and the validity of the [[United States Constitution|Constitution]]. This historically documented fact is actually presented as an argument for the reliability of the Church, since it continued during the reign of those unworthy Popes to teach faithfully the truths handed down by Christ and the Apostles and, while wounded by their evident wickedness, suffered no lasting harm from the immoral conduct of a tiny percentage of its more than 265 leaders.<ref>"tiny percentage". Less than 3 percent = at most 10 popes. See [[Pope#External links|External links, below]]. Estimates range from 5 to 10 truly corrupt popes in the entire history of the Church.</ref>  

The established fact that some popes were wicked in their private lives is no argument against the truth of the doctrine and dogma of the Catholic Church, no more than proven immoral conduct by an American president is an argument against the goodness of the United States and the validity of the [[United States Constitution|Constitution]]. This historically documented fact is actually presented as an argument for the reliability of the Church, since it continued during the reign of those unworthy Popes to teach faithfully the truths handed down by Christ and the Apostles and, while wounded by their evident wickedness, suffered no lasting harm from the immoral conduct of a tiny percentage of its more than 265 leaders.<ref>"tiny percentage". Less than 3 percent = at most 10 popes. See [[Pope#External links|External links, below]]. Estimates range from 5 to 10 truly corrupt popes in the entire history of the Church.</ref>  

One of the prayer-petitions of the Catholic [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]] says, "Look not on our sins, but on the Faith of Your Church..." According to Catholic teaching, a man who professes the Catholic Faith whole and entire, no matter how wicked he may be, remains a member of the Catholic Church and Body of Christ, even if he hates God, even if he commits murder, even if he commits [[Sodom#Sodom and homosexuality|sodom]]y—but such a man will be condemned to an eternity of suffering in [[hell]] if he does not repent before death. Being a baptized member of Christ's Church will not profit such a man, because professing a correct faith alone, without charity (the exercise of goodness and compassion), will not save him<ref>James 2:14-26</ref>. His knowledge of the True Faith will only increase his misery because he will have sinned ''freely'', without any internal or external coercion against his will, with ''full knowledge'' of the ''sinfulness'' of his deeds against man and God<ref>Catholic doctrine distinguishes between mortal and venial sins according to [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/1_john/5-16.htm 1 John 5:16-17] and [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/john/19-11.htm John 19:11]. Three elements must be present for a sin to be deadly: Serious Matter, Full Knowledge of its evil, and Complete Consent (freely acting without any compulsion).</ref> Such a vile man can still be a valid pope and proclaimer of the Catholic Faith, because it is not the commission of sins against morals that invalidates his papacy (and we are all sinners), but the commission of sins against the Faith (the holding and teaching of [[heresy]]), or the ultimate act of committing formal [[apostasy]], which is not heresy but the utter renunciation of the entire Christian religion and total rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and God and Savior: for example the emperor [[Julian|Julian the Apostate]].

One of the prayer-petitions of the Catholic [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]] says, "Look not on our sins, but on the Faith of Your Church..." According to Catholic teaching, a man who professes the Catholic Faith whole and entire, no matter how wicked he may be, remains a member of the Catholic Church and Body of Christ, even if he hates God, even if he commits murder, even if he commits [[Sodom#Sodom and homosexuality|sodom]]y—but such a man will be condemned to an eternity of suffering in [[hell]] if he does not repent before death. Being a baptized member of Christ's Church will not profit such a man, because professing a correct faith alone, without charity (the exercise of goodness and compassion), will not save him.<ref>James 2:14-26</ref> His knowledge of the True Faith will only increase his misery because he will have sinned ''freely'', without any internal or external coercion against his will, with ''full knowledge'' of the ''sinfulness'' of his deeds against man and God<ref>Catholic doctrine distinguishes between mortal and venial sins according to [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/1_john/5-16.htm 1 John 5:16-17] and [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/john/19-11.htm John 19:11]. Three elements must be present for a sin to be deadly: Serious Matter, Full Knowledge of its evil, and Complete Consent (freely acting without any compulsion).</ref> Such a vile man can still be a valid pope and proclaimer of the Catholic Faith, because it is not the commission of sins against morals that invalidates his papacy (and we are all sinners), but the commission of sins against the Faith (the holding and teaching of [[heresy]]), or the ultimate act of committing formal [[apostasy]], which is not heresy but the utter renunciation of the entire Christian religion and total rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and God and Savior: for example the emperor [[Julian|Julian the Apostate]].

It is a remarkable fact of history acknowledged by impartial historians of Christianity, whether believer or unbeliever, and documented, that none of the morally corrupt popes officially and formally changed any of the doctrines of the Catholic Church, or renounced Christianity and formally decreed henceforth the worship of a totally different god. This doctrinal stability is unparalleled in the history of any other institution.<ref>Critics of Catholicism charge that the Catholic Church, having "fallen away" from the truth, teaches "a different gospel", "a different Jesus", [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/galatians/1-9.htm Galatians 1:9]; [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/2_corinthians/11-4.htm 2 Corinthians 11:4]. Catholic apologists respond by pointing to the consistency of documented Catholic Christian teachings from the [[Apostolic Fathers]] through the [[Ante-Nicene Fathers]] and down through history to the Documents of the [[Second Vatican Council]] and the [[Encyclical]]s of the popes into the 21st century as being fully consistent with Apostolic Tradition and [[Bible|Sacred Scripture]]. See [[Great Apostasy]].</ref>

It is a remarkable fact of history acknowledged by impartial historians of Christianity, whether believer or unbeliever, and documented, that none of the morally corrupt popes officially and formally changed any of the doctrines of the Catholic Church, or renounced Christianity and formally decreed henceforth the worship of a totally different god. This doctrinal stability is unparalleled in the history of any other institution.<ref>Critics of Catholicism charge that the Catholic Church, having "fallen away" from the truth, teaches "a different gospel", "a different Jesus", [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/galatians/1-9.htm Galatians 1:9]; [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/2_corinthians/11-4.htm 2 Corinthians 11:4]. Catholic apologists respond by pointing to the consistency of documented Catholic Christian teachings from the [[Apostolic Fathers]] through the [[Ante-Nicene Fathers]] and down through history to the Documents of the [[Second Vatican Council]] and the [[Encyclical]]s of the popes into the 21st century as being fully consistent with Apostolic Tradition and [[Bible|Sacred Scripture]]. See [[Great Apostasy]].</ref>

'''Old Testament parallels''' show that God gave to particular men divine authority to act, and that He obeyed their word: Exodus 14:15-16 and Joshua 10:12-14; see also 1 Kings 17:1, 2 Kings 20:9-11, Matthew 9:8, Luke 2:51, and John 9:31 and 20:21-23; Romans 13:1-2, 1 Timothy 1:19-20, Hebrews 13:17, and Revelation 3:7. Compare the Catholic Bible [http://usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/index.cfm footnotes] on these verses with [http://biblehub.com/commentaries/genesis/1-1.htm multiple Protestant commentaries]. The controversy over divine authority is a key doctrinal issue in the [[Protestant Reformation]]. See [[Apostolic succession]].

'''Old Testament parallels''' show that God gave to particular men divine authority to act, and that He obeyed their word: Exodus 14:15-16 and Joshua 10:12-14; see also 1 Kings 17:1, 2 Kings 20:9-11, Matthew 9:8, Luke 2:51, and John 9:31 and 20:21-23; Romans 13:1-2, 1 Timothy 1:19-20, Hebrews 13:17, and Revelation 3:7. Compare the Catholic Bible [http://usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/index.cfm footnotes] on these verses with [http://biblehub.com/commentaries/genesis/1-1.htm multiple Protestant commentaries]. The controversy over divine authority is a key doctrinal issue in the [[Protestant Reformation]]. See [[Apostolic succession]].

"'''...thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my Church.'''" There is a minor linguistic difference in Matthew 16:18 in the Greek words for "stone" and "rock". '''''Petros'' Πέτρος''' is the masculine form, meaning "stone", "boulder" or "large rock", and '''''petra'' πέτρα''' is the feminine form, meaning "stone", "boulder" or "massive rock". They essentially mean the same thing. In distinct contrast to ''petros'' and ''petra'', the Greek word for "pebble", "small stone" or "(piece of) rock" is λίθος ''lithos''<ref>The KJV translation of John 1:42 says, "...when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone." The entries under "stone" in Strong's Concordance for almost all of the New Testament verses are keyed to numbers [http://biblehub.com/greek/3034.htm ''3034'' '''λίθος''' ''lithos''], [http://biblehub.com/greek/3035.htm ''3035'' '''λιθάζω''' ''lithazo''], [http://biblehub.com/greek/3036.htm ''3036'' '''λίθινος''' ''lithinos''].  [http://biblehub.com/greek/3037.htm ''3037'' '''λίθος''' ''lithos'']. In contrast, '''John 1:42''' KJV "A stone" is keyed to number [http://biblehub.com/greek/4074.htm ''4074'' '''Πέτρος''' ''rock'', '''larger''' than ''3037 lithos'']. The King James translators chose to not render the Greek word in this passage as Rock. Had they done so the entry for this word in John 1:42 would have appeared in Strong's Concordance included under "rock" with all of the other 13 verses the KJV translators had consistently and unequivocally rendered as "rock", all of them keyed to number [http://biblehub.com/greek/4073.htm ''4073'' '''πέτρα''' ''petra'']: Mt 7:24, 25; Mt 16:18; Mt 27:60; Mk 15:46; Lu 6:48 (twice); Lu 8:6, 13; Ro 9:33; 1Co 10:4 (twice); 1Pe 2:8. See [http://www.biblehub.com/john/1-42.htm other translations of John 1:42] and [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/john/1-42.htm commentaries].</ref>.

"'''...thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my Church.'''" There is a minor linguistic difference in Matthew 16:18 in the Greek words for "stone" and "rock". '''''Petros'' Πέτρος''' is the masculine form, meaning "stone", "boulder" or "large rock", and '''''petra'' πέτρα''' is the feminine form, meaning "stone", "boulder" or "massive rock". They essentially mean the same thing. In distinct contrast to ''petros'' and ''petra'', the Greek word for "pebble", "small stone" or "(piece of) rock" is λίθος ''lithos''.<ref>The KJV translation of John 1:42 says, "...when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone." The entries under "stone" in Strong's Concordance for almost all of the New Testament verses are keyed to numbers [http://biblehub.com/greek/3034.htm ''3034'' '''λίθος''' ''lithos''], [http://biblehub.com/greek/3035.htm ''3035'' '''λιθάζω''' ''lithazo''], [http://biblehub.com/greek/3036.htm ''3036'' '''λίθινος''' ''lithinos''].  [http://biblehub.com/greek/3037.htm ''3037'' '''λίθος''' ''lithos'']. In contrast, '''John 1:42''' KJV "A stone" is keyed to number [http://biblehub.com/greek/4074.htm ''4074'' '''Πέτρος''' ''rock'', '''larger''' than ''3037 lithos'']. The King James translators chose to not render the Greek word in this passage as Rock. Had they done so the entry for this word in John 1:42 would have appeared in Strong's Concordance included under "rock" with all of the other 13 verses the KJV translators had consistently and unequivocally rendered as "rock", all of them keyed to number [http://biblehub.com/greek/4073.htm ''4073'' '''πέτρα''' ''petra'']: Mt 7:24, 25; Mt 16:18; Mt 27:60; Mk 15:46; Lu 6:48 (twice); Lu 8:6, 13; Ro 9:33; 1Co 10:4 (twice); 1Pe 2:8. See [http://www.biblehub.com/john/1-42.htm other translations of John 1:42] and [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/john/1-42.htm commentaries].</ref>

:Πέτρος, Πέτρου, ὁ (an appellative proper name, signifying 'a stone,' '''a rock, ledge or cliff''').

:Πέτρος, Πέτρου, ὁ (an appellative proper name, signifying 'a stone,' '''a rock, ledge or cliff''').

:πέτρα, πέτρας, ἡ, from Homer down; the Septuagint reading for סֶלַע  and צוּר; '''a rock, ledge, cliff'''.   

:πέτρα, πέτρας, ἡ, from Homer down; the Septuagint reading for סֶלַע  and צוּר; '''a rock, ledge, cliff'''.   

:λίθος, λίθου, ὁ, the Sept. for אֶבֶן (from Homer down); a stone: of small stones.  

:λίθος, λίθου, ὁ, the Sept. for אֶבֶן (from Homer down); a stone: of small stones.  

Protestant Greek scholars like [[D.A. Carson]] and [[Joseph Thayer]] admit there is no distinction in meaning between petros and petra in the [[Greek language|Koine Greek]] of the New Testament.<ref>Joseph H. Thayer, Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1996), 507; D.A. Carson, “Matthew,” in Frank E. Gaebelein, ed., The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984), vol. 8, 368.</ref><ref>[http://patrickmadrid.com/bam-bam-the-%e2%80%9cpebbles%e2%80%9d-argument-goes-down-2/ Bam! Bam! The "Pebbles" Argument Goes Down, Patrick Madrid (patrickmadrid.com)]. Compare [[Falsehood]]. </ref> See Strong's numbers [http://biblehub.com/greek/4074.htm ''4074''] and [http://biblehub.com/greek/4073.htm ''4073'']. Compare [http://biblehub.com/greek/3037.htm ''3037'']. See also [http://biblehub.com/greek/2786.htm ''2786''].  

Protestant Greek scholars like [[D.A. Carson]] and [[Joseph Thayer]] admit there is no distinction in meaning between petros and petra in the [[Greek language|Koine Greek]] of the New Testament.<ref>Joseph H. Thayer, Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1996), 507; D.A. Carson, “Matthew,” in Frank E. Gaebelein, ed., The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984), vol. 8, 368.</ref><ref>[http://patrickmadrid.com/bam-bam-the-%e2%80%9cpebbles%e2%80%9d-argument-goes-down-2/ Bam! Bam! The "Pebbles" Argument Goes Down, Patrick Madrid (patrickmadrid.com)]. Compare [[Falsehood]].</ref> See Strong's numbers [http://biblehub.com/greek/4074.htm ''4074''] and [http://biblehub.com/greek/4073.htm ''4073'']. Compare [http://biblehub.com/greek/3037.htm ''3037'']. See also [http://biblehub.com/greek/2786.htm ''2786''].  

:Κεφας, κεφα, ὁ (Chaldean כֵּיפָא, '''a rock'''), Cephas (equivalent to Πέτρος), the surname of Simon the apostle. (Jesus did not give Simon Bar Jonah a feminine name.)  

:Κεφας, κεφα, ὁ (Chaldean כֵּיפָא, '''a rock'''), Cephas (equivalent to Πέτρος), the surname of Simon the apostle. (Jesus did not give Simon Bar Jonah a feminine name.)  

A more literal translation of verse 18 is, "''I tell you, you are Rock, and on this Rock I will build my gathering (my assembly)''". Linguistically, according to the Greek construction, and Greek grammar, the person indicated by the phrase "''on this rock''" is Peter, not Jesus.  

A more literal translation of verse 18 is, "''I tell you, you are Rock, and on this Rock I will build my gathering (my assembly)''". Linguistically, according to the Greek construction, and Greek grammar, the person indicated by the phrase "''on this rock''" is Peter, not Jesus.  

===Early history to 350===

===Early history to 350===

Catholics recognize the pope as the successor to [[Saint Peter]], whom [[Jesus of Nazareth|Jesus]] designated as the "rock" upon which the Church was to be built.<ref>The Hierarchical Constitution of the Church, §881</ref><ref name=Kirsch>Kirsch, Johann Peter. [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11744a.htm "St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles."] The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 11. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 21 Jul. 2014</ref> Although Peter never bore the title of "pope" (Latin papa), Catholics recognize him as the first pope and Bishop of Rome, because he had the office, but not the title. Official declarations of the Church speak of the popes as holding within the college of the bishops a position analogous to that held by Peter within the college of the [[Twelve Apostles]], namely Prince of the Apostles, of which the college of the Bishops, a distinct entity, is the successor.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html | title = Second Vatican Council | contribution = Lumen Gentium | page = 22.}}</ref><ref> [http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_06081993_veritatis-splendor.html ''Veritatis Splendor'' 3, John Paul II, October 6, 1992.]</ref><ref>{{Cite book | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=j8-GHiYUSX8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=Dulles+catholicity#v=onepage&q=episcopal%20college&f=false | author = Avery Dulles | title = The Catholicity of the Church | publisher = Oxford University Press | year = 1987 | isbn = 0-19-826695-2 | page = 140.}}</ref>

Catholics recognize the pope as the successor to [[Saint Peter]], whom [[Jesus of Nazareth|Jesus]] designated as the "rock" upon which the Church was to be built.<ref>The Hierarchical Constitution of the Church, §881</ref><ref name=Kirsch>Kirsch, Johann Peter. [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11744a.htm "St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles."] The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 11. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 21 Jul. 2014</ref> Although Peter never bore the title of "pope" (Latin papa), Catholics recognize him as the first pope and Bishop of Rome, because he had the office, but not the title. Official declarations of the Church speak of the popes as holding within the college of the bishops a position analogous to that held by Peter within the college of the [[Twelve Apostles]], namely Prince of the Apostles, of which the college of the Bishops, a distinct entity, is the successor.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html | title = Second Vatican Council | contribution = Lumen Gentium | page = 22.}}</ref><ref>[http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_06081993_veritatis-splendor.html ''Veritatis Splendor'' 3, John Paul II, October 6, 1992.]</ref><ref>{{Cite book | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=j8-GHiYUSX8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=Dulles+catholicity#v=onepage&q=episcopal%20college&f=false | author = Avery Dulles | title = The Catholicity of the Church | publisher = Oxford University Press | year = 1987 | isbn = 0-19-826695-2 | page = 140.}}</ref>

Many popes in the first three centuries of the Christian era are obscure figures. Several suffered [[martyr]]dom along with members of their flock in periods of persecution. Most of them engaged in intense theological arguments with other bishops.

Many popes in the first three centuries of the Christian era are obscure figures. Several suffered [[martyr]]dom along with members of their flock in periods of persecution. Most of them engaged in intense theological arguments with other bishops.

==Continuous, unbroken witness in history==

==Continuous, unbroken witness in history==

History itself bears undeniable and irrefutable documented witness, attested even among the most hostile enemies of the Catholic Church, that the entire line of the popes, and the office of the papacy to the present day, has never refused to publicly proclaim the [[doctrine]] and [[dogma]] that [[Jesus Christ]] is the only-begotten Son of God and Lord and Savior of all mankind who has sent the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth forever, that Jesus is with us to the end of time, and that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be [[Salvation|saved]]. The pope has never proclaimed the name of any [[Other gods|other god]] as Lord, but only the name of the one [[Trinity|God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit]]. Amen.<ref>John 14:16-17; John 16:13; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2:38-39; Acts 4:11-12. See [[Creed]] and [[Catholic Church]]; also [http://papalencyclicals.net/Councils/ Church Councils]. </ref>

History itself bears undeniable and irrefutable documented witness, attested even among the most hostile enemies of the Catholic Church, that the entire line of the popes, and the office of the papacy to the present day, has never refused to publicly proclaim the [[doctrine]] and [[dogma]] that [[Jesus Christ]] is the only-begotten Son of God and Lord and Savior of all mankind who has sent the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth forever, that Jesus is with us to the end of time, and that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be [[Salvation|saved]]. The pope has never proclaimed the name of any [[Other gods|other god]] as Lord, but only the name of the one [[Trinity|God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit]]. Amen.<ref>John 14:16-17; John 16:13; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2:38-39; Acts 4:11-12. See [[Creed]] and [[Catholic Church]]; also [http://papalencyclicals.net/Councils/ Church Councils].</ref>

== See also ==

== See also ==

*[http://papalencyclicals.net/Councils/ Church Councils]. The Documents and Canons of the Councils of the Catholic Orthodox Church from Nicaea I to Vatican II

*[http://papalencyclicals.net/Councils/ Church Councils]. The Documents and Canons of the Councils of the Catholic Orthodox Church from Nicaea I to Vatican II

*[http://www.dailycatholic.org/history/councils.htm Major Councils of the Church (dailycatholic.org)]

*[http://www.dailycatholic.org/history/councils.htm Major Councils of the Church (dailycatholic.org)]

*[http://www.holynameofmaryparish.com/documents/Bad%20Popes.pdf Bad Popes (holynameofmaryparish.com] pdf

*[http://www.holynameofmaryparish.com/documents/Bad%20Popes.pdf Bad Popes (holynameofmaryparish.com)] pdf

*[http://novusordowatch.org/2014/03/bad-popes-argument/ The "Bad Popes" Argument (novusordowatch.org)]

*[http://novusordowatch.org/2014/03/bad-popes-argument/ The "Bad Popes" Argument (novusordowatch.org)]

*[http://relijournal.com/christianity/vatican-scandals-five-bad-popes-in-papacy-history/ Vatican Scandals: Five Bad Popes in Papacy History (relijournal.com)]

*[http://relijournal.com/christianity/vatican-scandals-five-bad-popes-in-papacy-history/ Vatican Scandals: Five Bad Popes in Papacy History (relijournal.com)]