What is the POPE for?

That's just not factually correct, Papal infallibility was not complete until the 14th century and its completion caused a split in the Roman Church, some forming what is called the Old Catholic Church. Maintaining the former practice that the Pope expressed the consensus of the faithful. Popes, have used their powers for political and personal ends and far from maintaining practices have introduced many innovations. Neither are Roman practices universally applied. For instance Roman Catholic Priests in Lebanon are allowed to be married. In Kenya confession before mass is regarded as optional not necessary. Furthermore, much of Roman Catholic teaching is very different from that taught by the Apostles; Thomas Aquinas mixing Aristotelian philosophy in with Christian teachings. For instance, for a long time it was Roman Catholic dogma that heavenly bodies where perfect spheres and described perfectly circular orbits. This came not from biblical authority but from Aristotle. all the best urban all the best urban

Again, your statements are misleading. Papal infallibility started in the 11th century, before that infallibility was held to reside in the joint council of Bishops. The full doctrine of Papal infallibility was not established until the 14th century. In Acts 15 it is not Peter but James that makes the decision and Peter and Paul yield to his authority. Your suggestion that it is Peter is not supported by the text. "There are different rites of the Catholic Church, five Eastern rites, and the Latin rite. These rites are distinguished by culture and united by doctrine." I am unclear what you are referring to here. all the best urban

I would agree that the doctrine of papal infallibility came later, just as all doctrines and dogmas did, usually in response to erroneous teaching of the faith. As with all doctrines and dogmas, papal infallibility stems from Apostolic teaching and was always practiced by the Church. In Matthew 16:16, Peter proclaims Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. In the next verse Jesus acknowledges that this confession was revealed to Peter by God. Peter makes an infallible statement by revelation from God. In Acts 2:14 ff, Peter is the first to stand and preach the Gospel after the descent of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 5:3, Peter declares the first anathema on Ananais and Sapphira, and God struck them down. In Acts 15:7 ff, Peter leads at the First Council of Jerusalem. He settles a dispute about the Gentiles and circumcision. When he is done speaking, all are quiet. Then James reinforces Peter's teaching. These are just a few biblical examples of Peter's primacy. Do you believe that it is possible that Peter was wrong in any of these situations? Papal infallibility only applies to teaching in matters of faith and morals, and it must be declared ex cathedra, from the chair of Peter. It must be officially declared doctrine or dogma to be considered infallible. St. Thomas Aquinas was a philosopher and admirer of Aristotle. He is also a Doctor of the Church and great theologian. His views are widely respected, but not taught infallibly. Limbo is a good example of this. It was widely accepted in the Church, but never taught as fact(infallibly, doctrine, dogma). Theological opinions and ideas are just that, they are not infallible statements. If you have documentation about the heavenly bodies as a dogma of the Church, I would like to see it. There are different rites of the Catholic Church, five Eastern rites, and the Latin rite. These rites are distinguished by culture and united by doctrine. Priestly celibacy is a discipline of the Church. Disciplines can be changed. Eastern rite priests are allowed to marry, only before ordination. There are Latin rite priests who are married. The Catholic Church in Lebanon follows primarily the Syrian Rite, also called Maronite. Maronite Catholics did not follow the great schism and were never part of the Orthodox Church. Confession before Mass is not required in any rite.

you know the hat is actually from pagan roots, and so is the word POPE. they used to call him a papa and he used to wear that hat.

Is that the kind of hat somebody wears when they are trying to become a papa? If your going to wear that hat you better sneak up the back stair way. If she gets a good look at you with that hat on , its going to be, all over.

That sounds about right.

hmm, but shouldnt any minister be able to guild catholics just as well as the pope?

I don't think you understand the Catholic Church's structure. The Priest's guild their local church and the people in their local church by the guild lines that the head of the church the Pope laid out. The Pope keeps the church in line and following the Catholic beliefs, he is the leader like the President leads the country. The difference is he is loved by the people he guilds. If one church steps out of the beliefs then the Pope takes action to bring them back. It is what has kept Catholicisms what it is for hundreds of years and yes he is a needed figure in the church, he is the head, the leader.

He is like any other Priest. He starts as a Priest, moves up the ranks to Bishop and then when one Pope steps down or passes away he is voted into the position of Pope. Just like any other guiding body of Government or structured faith. It is hard for people from an unstructured religion to understand the formalities in one of structure and tradition that has survived hundreds of years.

but what does he exactly do? is he necessary? is he needed?

To ask why you listened to him and now have 17 kids to feed.