Headlines lately read different versions of “Pope said some things.” There is a reason I say it this way. Over the years, I have often discussed things the Pope (three different popes) has said. I remember debating an issue with one person; he said, “OK. But even the Pope has said…” to support his side of the discussion. He was shocked when I responded, “Yeah. So?”
Another discussion occurred after John Paul II said that only the Catholic Church is a true church, and others are not. At a ministerial meeting, a Lutheran pastor was furious and demanded that the local priest (who was present) repudiate what the Pope had said. I stepped in and said, “You are trying to get him to do something he just can’t do. But why do you, a Lutheran, care what the Pope said? I don’t care one whit. The Pope does not recognize my church. And I don’t recognize the Catholic Church.” The priest smiled and thanked me.
Now, none of this is meant to denigrate the Pope or Catholics. They are welcome to their own beliefs. They answer to the same master to whom I answer. But I find it interesting how many people think the Pope is the leader of all Christians—at least when he says something they like. When the Pope says some things, he is presented as being out of touch and an example of what they see as wrong with Christians. But when he states other things, he is heralded as speaking official dogma to be obeyed by all Christians.
But we are not Catholic, as in Roman Catholic. We do not recognize the Pope. He has zero authority to make any pronouncements. He can say what he wants, and it means nothing to us. Sola scriptura is our authority. I will give him credit if he speaks in line with the Bible. It is empty words if he speaks in a way that denies the scriptures. I know the Catholic doctrine is that the Pope sits on the Throne of Peter. But Peter never had a throne and never claimed such authority.
What did the Pope say? It does not matter.