Smoke, Mirrors & Melodrama: Unpacking the Papal Selection
- Ray Reynolds, Ph.D.
- May 8
- 5 min read
The Vatican is abuzz, whispers echoing through ancient halls, and the world holds its breath. Another white smoke watch is upon us. But beyond the pomp and circumstance, the centuries-old rituals, and the fervent prayers, lies a stark reality: the selection of a new Pope is not divine intervention, but a deeply human, often political, and undeniably consequential act. Forget the Holy Spirit descending like a dove; this is about power, legacy, and the future direction of a billion souls. Are we truly witnessing God's will unfold, or the intricate dance of ambition and influence?
I’ve always found it fascinating that a group of men can convene to vote on the next “vicar” of Christ by a 2/3 majority vote (more to come). It has to be said that the pomp and theatrics make for good TV. Every media outlet in the world has covered the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV. Why is it so important? The majority of Americans are Protestant and yet it’s still a hot topic of conversation among the general public. Jews, Mormons, agnostics and atheist are curious about the transition.
Imagine a global corporation with two millennia of history, facing unprecedented challenges, and about to appoint its next CEO. Now replace shareholders with devoted followers, boardrooms with sacred chambers, and financial reports with theological debates. This, in essence, is the Catholic Church during a papal transition. The selection of a new Pope isn't just a religious event; it's a seismic shift in global power dynamics, a tug-of-war between tradition and modernity, and a high-stakes gamble on the Church's relevance in a rapidly changing world. Will the next Pontiff be a revolutionary or a traditionalist? The answer will shape the spiritual landscape for generations to come.
Where do we stand as the Churches of Christ? The very roots of the American Restoration Movement of the 19th century prove that there are a plethora of contradictions we could consider. Martin Luther’s 95 Theses would be more like a short story compared to the list of current issues. There are distinct views held by the Pope and the Catholic Church that even differ significantly from early Catholic doctrine. In this blog I’d like to share a few things that stand out to me about the Catholic Church and this process of election that completed today (5-8-25).
* The Rejection of Papal Authority: The majority of protestant religious groups, including the churches of Christ, do not recognize the Pope's authority as the head of the Church. Jesus Christ is the sole head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). The concept of a Pope is a human invention not supported by Scripture.
* There is No Scriptural Basis for a Pope: There is not a shred of biblical evidence for the succession of Peter as the first Pope or for the unique authority claimed by the Bishop of Rome. In fact, Peter's authority is shared with other apostles (Ephesians 2:19-20).
* Concern Over Infallibility: The doctrine of papal infallibility must be rejected. How can one man hold such power and authority? Oonly God's Word, the Bible, is infallible. The idea that a human leader can speak without error on matters of faith as unscriptural and historically inconsistent.
* Usurping of Christ's Headship: The papacy assumes the position that the Pope is the final authority. This is a usurpation of Christ's role as the Head of the church. This is why many Christians associate the role of Pope with the "Antichrist" described in the Bible, although this is not a universally held view today. Claiming the pope is the “Vicar” of Christ grants to the pope roles that Christ Himself declared would belong to no other human.
* The Error of the Position of Vicar:
Originating from the Latin vicarius, meaning "in place of," the term "vicar" signifies someone acting with the complete authority of a higher official. Therefore, referring to the Pope as the "Vicar of Christ" carries the significant implication that he wields the same power and authority that Christ exercised over the Church (see previous points). Jesus does indeed predict a “vicar” in the sense of a “replacement” for His physical presence here on earth. However, this “vicar of Christ” is not a priest, high priest, bishop, or pope. The only biblical “Vicar of Christ” is the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).
* Departure from New Testament Christianity: The Catholic Church has developed doctrines and practices over time that are not found in the New Testament. Our aim is to restore what the original church established by Jesus and His apostles. The lack of “biblical precedent” has led to several key Catholic doctrines being rejected.
* Misunderstanding the Nature of the New Treatment Church: Catholics quip that Catholic means "universal church." In an effort to propagate religious unity, the Catholic Church will often try to embrace denominations underneath their umbrella. This doesn’t hold water. In fact, it is virtually impossible for most denominations to align with predominant Catholic doctrine like sacraments, confession to priests, original sin, infant baptism, the Eucharist, the adoration of Saints, the veneration of Mary, etc.
* The Need For Local Church Autonomy: Within the churches of Christ we believe in the importance of autonomous local congregations taking the lead over their own flock. However, do not see a hierarchical structure in scripture with a central earthly authority. Therefore, if a man, or a church, or a host of churches, decided to assert such authority over another congregation it should be a futile effort. While respect and honor are due to those who serve and lead within local congregations, the idea of a supreme earthly vicar with Christ's own authority stands in contrast to the priesthood of all believers and the direct relationship each individual can have with their Savior.
The bottom line is that the Pope lacks the scriptural authority Catholics propose. The Catholic Church has deviated in several significant ways from the practices and doctrines of the early church as described in the New Testament. Any interest is only for entertainment value and for political interests. We've explored, through the lens of Scripture, the notion of a single human leader wielding universal authority over all Christians finds no solid footing in the teachings of Jesus and his apostles. The Bible consistently points to Christ as the sole head of the Church, with direct access to God available to all believers through faith. Ultimately, a Christian's allegiance and obedience belong first and foremost to Christ himself, guided by the enduring and sufficient Word of God.
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
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