Hope in the Pope?


Growing up Lutheran, I was unfamiliar with what Catholics believe until committing my life to Christ years later. I was 14 when two popes died within 33 days of each other in 1978. I hated it when their funerals preempted some of my favorite TV programs. I remember saying in frustration to my mother, “The Pope is a dope.”

Since becoming a street evangelist, I’ve learned how to compassionately minister the gospel to Catholics. Instead of criticizing tenets of Catholicism that conflict with Scripture, I aim to find common ground with them, such as their belief that Jesus is the Son of God and He died on the cross for our sins.


I recall only one witnessing incident when the Pope was brought up. I had lunch with an aunt and uncle, who professed to be Christians despite going to church only on Easter and Christmas. Although my aunt isn’t Catholic, I was surprised to hear her suddenly defend the Pope as a great person. 


I believe it’s okay to honor the Pope as a politician since he is a head of state (of Vatican City). Last Monday, Pope Francis died at 88. U. S. President Donald Trump attended the funeral yesterday despite past differences he had with the Pontiff.


However, I do not esteem the Pope as a spiritual leader. While I had heard reports that Pope Francis knew the Lord, he made statements regarding same-sex marriage, capital punishment, climate change, and the Palestinian cause that were inconsistent with Scripture. Colossians 2:8 warns, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”


There are unbiblical ideas people have about the Pope. Catholics insist Peter was the first one. That can be disputed with one Bible verse. Matthew 8:14 says, “Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever.” Popes aren’t supposed to be married.


Prophecy buffs are watching with great interest who the next Pope will be. Some believe he will be the final Pontiff before the return of the Lord. Regardless of what happens, always keep your eyes on Jesus. There is only one Savior. 


“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” - 1 Timothy 2:5

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