2007-11-29 07:37:47 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The pope is the leader. All foundations, companies, etc., have a leader. The catholic church is no different.
His role is to lead by example. He has many people looking up to him for spiritual guidance. His role is also one of authority. He has the task of governing the body of churches and establishing and standing on the principles that the body is supposed to believe in. There are many other roles that are just as important, but these were the ones that are at the top of my head.
The pope's role for individuals is just as important, for they are the ones looking to him for guidance and how the pope is viewed, so are his followers.
2007-11-29 23:08:36 · answer #1 · answered by timbers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Pope is the "Vicar of Christ." This means that he is the chief administrator and protector of the Faith during the time that Christ is "absent" from us. He acts as the first among equals, those being the Bishops around the world.
The Scriptures clearly say that the Church is the pillar and foundation of truth. In the office of the Papacy, there is a clear sign of unity of doctrine and belief for believers throughout time, and distance.
The Pope acts in unity with the Bishops (aka the Magesterium), and they with him. Contrary to popular belief, the Pope is not a dictator, who may change doctrine and belief at his will. He may not change the deposit of the Faith, and must act within its bounds, as is true with the Bishops.
2007-11-29 16:03:23 · answer #2 · answered by MaH 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He told Peter three times to "feed His lambs". Jesus, known as the Good Shepherd, was telling Peter that he was to be the good shepherd, now. The pope is the person who carries on the responsibility of shepherding God's people.
2007-11-29 18:33:14 · answer #3 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A good question! I honestly don't know. The Catholics apparently view him as the head of the church who receives divine revelations from God and claims to be God's Representative here on earth. Not so says the Bible; we have a high priest who is at the right hand of the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous and God's Representative on earth today is the Holy Spirit. I some how suspect he will have a hard time explaining his position to the Lord when he stands before him in judgment!
2007-11-29 15:55:26 · answer #4 · answered by mandbturner3699 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Because the role of Pope was important to Jesus Christ and the Church for almost 2,000 years.
John 21:15-17 states:
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
He then said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." (Jesus) said to him, "Feed my sheep.
Matthew 16:17-19 states:
Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
The Catholic Church believes the Lord made Simon alone, whom he named Peter, the "rock" of his Church. He gave him the keys of his Church and instituted him shepherd of the whole flock.
The Pope is the senior pastor of 1.1 billion Catholics, the direct successor of Simon Peter.
The Pope’s main roles include teaching, sanctifying, and governing.
For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 880-882: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art9p4.htm#880
With love in Christ.
2007-11-29 23:54:54 · answer #5 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
as a large, global institution, it needs a strong central leader. Organizations need leadership, and people like charismatic leaders.
and since 1870, the pople has been "infallable" (never wrong), showing that they really think highly of the post.
2007-11-29 15:41:47 · answer #6 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's the big cheese for people who want to judge and condemn others. He is also in charge of making sure the church keeps its evil ways.
2007-11-29 15:42:39 · answer #7 · answered by always right 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
People rather get salvation and validation from religious leaders to instruct them about God instead of reading the bible for the answers themselves.
2007-11-29 15:43:21 · answer #8 · answered by Queens PYT 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋