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 accorded all these titles — he is called the Pontiff (the mediator), the head of the universal Church, and even the supreme shepherd (cf. Catechism 857). Such attributions are unfitting and erroneous.

Finally, in the Creed, we profess our faith in the Holy Spirit. On the night before He died, Jesus promised His disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit to take His place (John 14:16-17; 16:7). This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is the Vicar, the perfect representative of Christ for His Church on earth.

The title of the Bishop of Rome, the Vicar of Christ, belongs properly to the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, I appeal to you, my Christian brethren: let us hold fast to our confession of faith in God — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit — and let us ascribe divine titles to no one except God, our Savior.