Well... as far as Spiritual Issues are concerned, the Bible is the Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit.
In this case, the Bible says there's only one way to the Father and that's through Jesus Christ.
It's not through a Pope.
(Of course you are free not to believe this and go ahead call me fundamentalist.
Not going to have an effect on the way I believe, "Theefaith") :)
Christ appointed peter as his personal representative or the prime minister under the king see Isa 22:21-22 matt 16:18
We must be taught by Christ thru his apostles in his church he built on Peter matt 16:18 18:18 Jn 20:21-23 eph 2:20
Lk 1:4 acts 2:42
And submit to his ministers
Lk 10:16
He who hears you hears me...
John 13:20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Hebrews 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
God always establishes order in obedience to hierarchical authority of fathers!
Protestantism is a sin against the Christian virtue of obedience!
(Spiritual anarchy)
Jn 20:21 as my father sent me, so send in you. (The apostles) posses the same power mission and authority as Christ!
Peter, the apostles and their successors!
Keys of authority! And power to bind and loose! Matt 16:18 and Matt 18:18
matt 28:19 Jn 20:21-23 Isa 22:21-22
eph 2:20
Jurisdictional authority:
(Governing / administering)
Necessity of Peter and the apostles and their successors to govern the holy church.
Moral authority:
(Teaching)
Necessity of being taught by the apostles of Christ:
Two edge sword: defining truth and condemning errors.
Spiritual authority:
(Life of Grace)
Sanctifying thru the mass and Sacraments.
In Christ Matt 28-18-20 I am with you, Jn 15:5 in His grace and truth by the power of the Holy Spirit! Jn 1:16-17
Jesus Christ continues HIS ministry in His new covenant church thru Peter, the apostles, and their successors with the same mission, power, and authority!
Mt 16:18 Mt 28:19 Acts 1:17 acts 8:31 & 35 acts 9:4 Lk 10:16 Jn 8:32 Jn 13:20 Jn 15:5 Jn 16:13 Jn 20:21-22 eph 2:20 acts 2:42 1 Tim 3:15
What authority does Christ have?
What power does Christ have?
What mission / ministry does Christ have?
Peter, the apostles and their successors have the same authority, power, and mission! Jn 20:21 as my father sent me, even so send I you!