Does the Pope represent God's voice on Earth?
If so, then why is he an elected official?
2007-04-20 07:39:10 · 21 answers · asked by Maverick 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No. Such a concept is not a doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope is the Vicar, which means he does not speak as God, but speaks as the guardian of that which is God's. In essence, he is merely a caretaker.
2007-04-20 07:44:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
Only Jesus has spoken infallibly as God's voice on Earth.
The Pope represents Christ as the leader of the Church because Christ made Peter the first Pope and the successors after him, Popes.
The Pope speaks without err, infallibly, only on matters of faith and morals. There have been few infallible statements from the Popes since St. Peter.
The Pope can and has made mistakes.
The Pope speaks what he believes God wants him to speak. There is no guarantee that he is right except when he proclaims infallibility.
The Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals.
2007-04-20 14:48:24 · answer #2 · answered by Mary W 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. Only God is God. He's just a leader of men. He takes the place of Peter of the disciples as the person who made the final decisions. Remember when they cast lots to find a replacement for Judas? He's just a man. Most don't KNOW that but that's all he is even to Catholics. Elected officials don't have to represent the Voice of God on Earth.
Would the Voice of God have to confess sins every day at 4 AM?
2007-04-20 14:44:09 · answer #3 · answered by madbaldscotsman 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The Pope is the "Vicar" of Christ, and Bishop of Rome. The "Cardinal of Bishops" has a ritual that is unknown to lay people to identify who will be Pope when the past Pope passes away. This is NOT an election but rather a revelation by the Holy Spirit to the Cardinal of Bishops. The only requirements to be Pope is to be a male over the age of 18 years old and a practicing Catholic.
The Pope in many of his daily activities is very human. He has opinions, strenghts, and weaknesses. He is only "Infallible" when he is sitting on St. Peter's chair or in the presence of 90% of the "Cardinal of Bishops." I believe Pope Benedict XVI takes the Sacrement of Reconcilliation daily (confession) like JPII. I would imagine his sins are more venial than mortal ... but God's Judge on that; not me.
2007-04-20 14:51:08 · answer #4 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, the pope is the head of the church, the Cardinal of Rome. He has served in the church for most of his life and is elected to his position by a conclave of his peers. Since he's been serving God for so long, it is reasonably assumed that he knows the church doctrines and the papers of his predicessors. He is not God, not the voice of God, but someone highly respected who knows more about the church then the average man.
Tell me, who would you trust more to help you out if you were bleeding? Joe from down the street, or a doctor? The doctor who studied medicine longer and knows more then Joe would be the logical choice. As it is with the Pope. He studied Catholisism longer, he knows the doctrines and traditions better then the average person. To be a Cardinal, he has proven himself. Some priests only remain a priest. IT is far more logical to respect someone who has proven themselves and studied what they preach.
2007-04-20 14:49:30 · answer #5 · answered by sister steph 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No way. I was born and raised Catholic, and I believe in God...but I do NOT believe that the Pope is any better or closer to God than you or I. We are all equals under God. We just need someone to oversee the religion as a whole. The Pope is the CEO of Catholicism.
2007-04-20 14:45:40 · answer #6 · answered by Kacey Smith 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The Pope was elected by the Cardinals for life.
God is forever and He is the Alpha and the Omega
big difference
2007-04-20 14:43:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Popes are chosen by cardinals who were chosen by Popes who were chosen by cardinals who were chosen by Popes, and so on, back until the Popes were once bishops who were chosen by elders who were supposed to have been the successors of the apostles hand picked by Jesus who was God.
God needs a voice because he has a throat infection and is bed-ridden for the present time.
Thankfully, He will one day return and save us all. I know this because it was written in a Book that was copied from a Book, that was revised from a Book, that was translated from a Book in a different language which was compiled and selected by editors from a collection of Texts that were translated from Texts in a whole other language that were written by people who had heard Stories from people who had heard Stories from people who had heard Stories from people who had friends who had friends who knew this hoopy frood named Jesus. Wait, I mean Yeshua.
2007-04-20 14:58:40 · answer #8 · answered by shengduoma 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
One time the Israelities want a king to lead them till then GOD lead them.But GOD let them have there own way.
so must be with pope.They want a king after samuel.GOD let them have there king.
But even though there are many prophets,teachers,preachers we all belong under one body of christ.Do you?
"For GOD so loved the world that he sent his only son that who so ever believes in him shall not perish but have everylasting life"
U too can have a relationship with JESUS by asking him to forgive your sins and past and cleanse u with his blood
2007-04-20 15:33:37 · answer #9 · answered by Emmanuel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm, I never thought of it like that. Thats really a good thing to think about and ask! =]
And Tagan...Catholics do NOT think of the Pope as God.
k thanx bye
2007-04-20 14:42:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋