The death of Pope Francis and subsequent election of Leo XIV has put the papal office at the forefront of cultural discourse. But how and when did Christians start to revere the bishop of Rome? Where did the Pope's authority and importance originate? And why did the Reformers strongly critique the papacy? In this episode, we discuss the development of the papacy in church history, the internal and external pushback against the Pope, and the importance of developing thoughtful, convictional Protestant sensibilities.

(0:00) Introductions: Why We’re Not Papists
(3:24) The Rise of the Pope in Church History
(11:07) Apologetic Arguments Against the Papacy
(24:47) Reading a Letter from Luther
(31:36) It's OK to Be a Convictional Protestant