Many people, even Catholics, are confused about the pope. Some ask, "Why do we need a pope at all? Isn't it just a man-made position?" But as Fr. Mike Schmitz puts it, "The papacy wasn't invented by the Church—it was instituted by Jesus himself."

In this article, Fr. Mike unpacks the biblical and historical foundations of the papacy, showing that the pope is not just a Catholic tradition but a central part of Christ’s plan for his Church.

The Pope Reunites the Kingdom of God

Fr. Mike begins by tracing the roots of the papacy back to ancient Israel. He walks us through the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel, the rise of King David, and the eventual division of the kingdom. But the key moment comes when Jesus enters history not just to save individuals but to re-establish the Kingdom of God.

"Jesus came to save us, yes, but not just individually. He came to reconstitute the Kingdom."

This kingdom would not be abstract—it would have real structure, leaders, and authority, just like the Davidic Kingdom of old.

Twelve Tribes, Twelve Apostles

Fr. Mike points out that Jesus begins his ministry in the north of Israel, in the very region where the ten lost tribes had disappeared. There, He calls the twelve Apostles—deliberately echoing the twelve tribes of Israel.

"Jesus is very clearly reconstituting the twelve tribes of Israel. He’s here to establish a new kingdom."

In this new kingdom, Jesus is the King, but he also appoints leaders with real authority. One Apostle stands out among them: Peter.

Peter: The First Pope

In Matthew 16, Jesus asks his disciples who they think he is. Peter replies, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus responds with a monumental declaration:

"You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church... I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven."

Fr. Mike emphasizes the gravity of this moment:

"This isn't just a nickname. Jesus is giving Peter a role—the role of Prime Minister in his Kingdom."

He compares this to the Old Testament office of the al-habbayit (prime minister), especially as described in Isaiah 22, where the key of David is given to a royal steward.

"When Jesus gives Peter the keys, every Jewish disciple there would’ve known exactly what that meant. Peter was being made the Prime Minister."

The Pope Has Real Authority 

Jesus tells Peter that “whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” This is not symbolic. It's real authority. As Fr. Mike explains:

"The pope isn’t just a figurehead. He has authority because Jesus gave it to him. It’s part of the Kingdom structure."

The Pope Is a Sign of Unity

Why do we call the pope "Holy Father?"

The word pope comes from the Italian papa, meaning father. In the Old Testament, the prime minister is even described as a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

"We call him the Holy Father because that’s what he is—a spiritual father to the whole Church."

Far from being divisive, the pope is meant to unite us:

"The role of the pope is meant to be a peg in a sure spot. It’s a sign of unity for all Christians."

Unfortunately, not all Christians see it that way today, but Fr. Mike invites everyone—Catholic or not—to reconsider:

"This was meant to be a sign of unity. So what’s your relationship with the pope? Maybe it’s time to take another look."

The Pope's Role Was Not a Man-Made Office

For anyone who has thought the papacy was a medieval invention, Fr. Mike challenges that assumption:

"This isn’t some man-made position. It was part of Jesus’ plan from the beginning—to found a Church, to give it structure, and to place Peter at the head."

The Church is not just a spiritual idea—it’s a tangible body with leadership, responsibility, and mission.

Does the Pope Have to Be Perfect?

No, the pope isn’t perfect. Peter wasn’t either. But that’s not the point.

"Jesus didn’t choose perfect men. He chose leaders who would guide His Church with the authority He gave them."

The role of the pope remains what it always was: a visible sign of unity and a spiritual father for God’s family on earth.

So whether you’re Catholic, curious, or skeptical, Fr. Mike’s message is clear:

"Maybe the pope is meant to be a sign of unity for you too."

Watch the full video!