that the Pope (any pope, not just the current one) are Christ incarnate? I had heard this somewhere, but didn't know if it was true.
If it is true, how do they justify that belief?
2007-05-19 15:57:27 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Of course not.
The Pope is the man who is the earthly leader of the whole church, a priest and a bishop, serving in a position of power and authority that was established by Jesus Christ himself.
The Pope remains fully responsible to Christ for his performance on the job, and that job requires the Pope, along with all the other bishops, to teach, to sanctify, and to govern ... the whole church ... in the name of Jesus Christ.
At Mass, when administering the sacraments, and at official functions, the Pope acts in the name of, and as a stand-in for Christ ("in persona Christi") just as every priest and bishop does (and even we lay people do, at times).
Every Christian is called to be "another Christ" as every Christian is an adopted child of God, and a member of the royal priesthood of all believers.
The Pope simply has more responsibility, more power, and more authority ... to be used for the love of God, the love of mankind, for the benefit of the entire world-wide church, and to save souls.
2007-05-19 16:21:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Heck no. There will never be a Christ incarnate. It doesn't say anywhere in the Scriptures.
The Pope right now is just a branch from Peter the Rock. The Pope is the Leader of the Catholic Church, but he is not the Christ of course.
2007-05-19 23:02:33 · answer #2 · answered by nuttynellie 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No, we do not. We believe that The Pope is Christ's representative on earth.
He is the highest teaching authority in religion. He is the highest ruling authority. All must obey him in matters of religion.The Pope has supreme authority over Christ's Sacraments, and other means of grace, that the Church possesses.
Jesus Christ has supreme authority over souls.
Hope this answers your question.
2007-05-19 23:09:54 · answer #3 · answered by Bright Shadow 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No. We believe he is Christ's appointed leader for our Church. Not Christ incarnate.He is a man.
2007-05-19 23:00:51 · answer #4 · answered by Debra M. Wishing Peace To All 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The pope is the top pastor of the Catholic Church.
2007-05-20 00:28:57 · answer #5 · answered by Shirley T 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, he is Christ's vicar. The head of Christ's church on earth to guide the faithful. Where did you hear this?
2007-05-19 23:14:36 · answer #6 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋