The Titles of the Pope

I believe in God the Father — this is how we profess our faith in the Apostles’ Creed. Jesus warned us not to call anyone Father on earth, for we have one Father, who is in heaven (Matthew 23:9). When He prayed, Jesus addressed God with the unique title, “Holy Father” (John 17:11, 17:25). We Christians have the privilege of calling Him, “Our Father in heaven,” as Jesus taught us (Matthew 6:9). Therefore, the principal title of the head of the Catholic Church, who is called the Pope — the Father — and even Holy Father, is inappropriate and incorrect. In the Creed, we also profess our faith in the Lord Jesus . Scripture teaches us that He is: The one and only mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5) The head of the Church, which He purchased with His own blood (Ephesians 5:23) The chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4) Again, the Bishop of Rome is given all these titles — he is called the Pontiff (the mediator), the head of the universal Church, and even the supreme shepherd (cf. Catech...