The quick answer to "What does the Bible say about the pope?" is, "Not much!"
Perhaps surprisingly, to some, the Bible does not contain the word "pope." The office of the pope emerged as a structure in the Church during the early centuries of the Christian era. But the fact that the Bible does not mention "the pope" is not the end of the story.
Apostles
The New Testament clearly demonstrates the development of offices and authorities in the earliest days of the Church. Jesus Himself appointed apostles. Luke 6:13 relates that Jesus selected twelve of his "disciples" to be "apostles."
After Jesus' death and resurrection, these apostles (except for Judas Iscariot, of course) were recognized as leaders in the Church.
Other Church Officials
Acts 6:1-6 describes another "office" within the Church. When a dispute arose about the daily distribution of food among the widows of the Church, the apostles directed the Church to select seven men to oversee this ministry. The apostles recognized a difference of responsibilities among the offices: "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables…we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:2-4). The apostles focused on "prayer and the ministry of the word"; these other men oversaw the "compassionate ministry" of the Church.
Another term used for a leader or "official" in the early Church is the Greek word episkopos, which is often translated "overseer."
Paul uses this term in Philippians 1:1 – directing his letter to "the overseers and deacons" of the church in Philippi. He also used that term to refer to leaders in the church at Ephesus (Acts 20:28), as well as in his letters to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:2-7) and Titus (Titus 1:5-9).
Historical Development
Interestingly, the King James Version translates the word episkopos as "bishop" in Paul's letters referenced above. That's important to the subject at hand because the pope is the "Bishop of Rome." In the early centuries of Church history, the churches in major cities or areas were overseen by a bishop. As time went on and the Church spread, the bishops would gather to discuss matters of theological importance, such as the adoption of the canon of Scripture or the acceptance of a creed.
As is the case with most human endeavors, a "pecking order" started to develop among the bishops. Bishops of larger, more important cities exercised more authority. In turn, other bishops began to recognize that authority as extending to the Church as a whole. Not surprisingly, the importance of the city of Rome in secular matters translated to the bishop of Rome in Church issues. Accordingly, the Bishop of Rome – who came to be known as the "pope" – was recognized as "first among equals."
Part of this status related to the idea that the pope was the successor to Saint Peter, who was traditionally considered to be the first bishop of Rome. Given Peter's prominence among the apostles (so the reasoning goes), his successors must have similar prominence. Jesus' statement that He would build His church "upon this rock" (Matthew 16:18) was applied to Peter and thus to those who followed him. Finally, Jesus' promise in Matthew 16:19 that "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven" was also applied to Peter, further cementing the claim to authority for the bishop of Rome.
Paul's Teaching Regarding Bishops
As noted above, Paul uses the word episkopos to refer to those in authority over churches. While the King James Version translates the term "bishop," more modern translations use either "overseer" or "elder." In fact, the NASB uses both in its translation of Titus 1:5-9:
For this reason, I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion, for the overseer must be beyond reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, nor greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined, holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.
Obviously, given the development of the practice and theology of the Roman Catholic Church, several of Paul's qualifications no longer apply to the pope (or any bishop). Since Catholic priests are not married, they cannot be "the husband of one wife" nor "have children who believe." However, the rest of Paul's list ought to be true of anyone who bears the title of "bishop" (or any other badge of church authority, for that matter).
So, what are these qualifications? In addition to the broad statement that an overseer should be "beyond reproach as God's steward," such leaders should not:
- Be accused of indecent behavior or rebellion
- Be self-willed nor quick-tempered
- Bully others
- Be greedy for money
- Paul also lists positive qualifications; the overseer should:
- Be hospitable
- Love what is good
- Be self-controlled, righteous, holy, and disciplined
- Hold firmly the faithful word
- Be able to exhort in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it
What Does the Bible Say About the Pope?
While Scripture does not specifically mention the pope, Paul's letters set forth suggested qualifications for those who serve as "overseers" in the Church. Since the pope is the Bishop of Rome, he clearly qualifies as an "overseer" in the Roman Catholic Church. Accordingly, Paul's list of spiritual qualifications should be evident in the pope (or in any other Church leader).
Obviously, in the two millennia of Church history, the practice and structure of the Church have changed considerably. After a thousand years, the Church divided into East (Orthodox) and West (Roman Catholic); about 500 years later, the Protestant Reformation led to the development of many more churches. Each group of churches (generally known as a denomination) has its own structure of leaders and governance. While they may differ in how they interpret the biblical standards, church leaders should all reflect those values.
So what does the Bible say about the pope? It says the same things about every church leader. Any leader in any Christian church ought to be holy and righteous, an example for others, and able to teach and defend the faith!
