In this final episode of the season, Mark and Rayne dive deep into one of the most misunderstood elements of Roman Catholicism: the Pope and the papacy.From Peter to Francis, from ancient Rome to Vatican II, from the Inquisition to modern synods - this episode unpacks how the office of the Pope developed, why Protestants often feel confused by it, and how Christians can have thoughtful, Bible-centred conversations with their Catholic friends about authority, scripture, and Jesus Himself.You’ll hear:• Mark’s personal story of meeting Pope John Paul II• How Rome and the Roman Empire shaped the papacy• The difference between Roman and Catholic characteristics of each Pope• What Vatican II changed - and didn’t• How apostolic succession is defended• What Unam Sanctam and Pastor Aeternus claimed about papal authority• Why Jesus offers a better foundation than any Pope• Practical tools for reading the Bible with Catholic friends (incl. the Swedish method)If you’ve ever wondered “Why do Catholics have a Pope?” or “How should Protestants understand papal authority?”, this is the episode for you.00:00 — Welcome & why Protestants find the papacy unfamiliar02:46 — Mark meets Pope John Paul II06:14 — What the Pope’s titles actually mean08:50 — Are all popes saints?10:45 — Benedict XVI, Francis & Leo XIV compared15:47 — Roman vs Catholic identity in the Church20:17 — Why Francis chose his papal name22:35 — Who is Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV)?26:38 — Early history: Peter, Rome & major church centres33:06 — When multiple popes existed35:09 — Unam Sanctam & extreme papal claims39:26 — Luther, the Reformation & excommunication42:05 — Jesuits and the Counter-Reformation48:09 — Enlightenment, Napoleon & loss of papal power52:28 — Vatican II and modern Catholicism59:44 — Why Jesus, not the Pope, is the true foundation1:04:23 — Season wrap-up & prayer

👉🏼 Leo's Book A Christian's Pocket Guide to the Papacy https://www.amazon.com.au/Christians-Pocket-Guide-Papacy-century/dp/1781912998

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