I speak truth, sir. The Papacy claims to be MORE than just a stand-in. It is well known that Pope Leo XIII claimed that all Popes "hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty". No amount of Catholic apologist propaganda can ever change the fact that the entire institution is corrupt from the horn of its head to the sole of its goat feet.
whether it be corrupt or not isn't the issue is it? just about anything in the hands of man becomes corrupt. but one can get on any catholic web site and they will tell you, or the Vatican web site and it will tell and most well versed Catholics and devote Catholics will tell you and argue with anyone willing the the Pope walks in the shoes of the fisherman meaning Peters place and position nothing about the Lord place or position. I know I was raised catholic.
and like most liars and deceivers you use all of nine words to interpret over 1500 years of history. that statement simply means in their own view of the church's purpose is to sustain the world from falling so easily, of which it would without God's influence in it. and the church's influence in the world has kept the wolf from the door and devouring every innocent soul, despite the church's sins. you do know Ham exposed Noah's nakedness and Noah cursed Ham and God made sure that curse came true didn't He? the Lord has no affections for those who show another's nakedness.