why do catholics have a pope

Catholics have a pope because he is seen as the spiritual leader and shepherd of the worldwide Catholic Church, serving as the successor of Saint Peter, whom Catholics believe was appointed by Jesus as the first leader of his Church. The pope serves as a unifying figure, teacher of the faith, and guide for over a billion Catholics around the world. The role of the pope is based on biblical foundations, particularly Jesus' words to Peter in Matthew 16:18, where Jesus says, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church." This establishes the pope’s authority as both a spiritual father and a visible sign of unity for the Church. The pope holds a special role in guiding Church doctrine, addressing moral and social issues, and representing the Church globally. Catholics view the pope as the caretaker of Jesus' mission on earth, entrusted with the continuity and faithfulness of the Church’s teachings. While the pope is not considered above human error in every statement, Catholic doctrine holds that he is infallible in specific circumstances when defining doctrines of faith and morals. The papacy provides leadership continuity and a historical link back to the early Christian community led by Peter. In summary, the pope exists to spiritually lead, unify, and safeguard the Church's faith, serving as Christ’s representative and the keeper of Church unity worldwide.