On May 8, 2025, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signaling the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th leader of the Catholic Church (Vatican News). As the first American pope, Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native with missionary roots in Peru, steps into a global spotlight, promising unity and fidelity to the Gospel (Washington Post). Yet, as pundits buzz and X erupts with takes, the Ask A Christian Podcast cuts through the noise: Jesus, not a pope, is the Church’s foundation. Catholicism claims to represent 50% of Christianity, but Scripture points to a narrower path. Let’s unpack this moment with biblical clarity!

A New Pope, A Global Spectacle

The Vatican’s announcement of Pope Leo XIV sparked jubilation in St. Peter’s Square, with crowds chanting “Viva il Papa!” (NBC News). Prevost, once a missionary in Peru and later prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, chose the name Leo, evoking reformist popes like Leo XIII. Pundits, from CNN to X, are beside themselves, inviting papists in funny hats to opine on this “historic” moment. Yet, many nod blankly, clueless about Christianity’s roots, swayed by capes and ceremony. As I quipped, their vague inklings of history don’t hold a candle to Scripture’s light. The Bible warns, “Broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat” (Matthew 7:13–14). Is the pomp pointing to Jesus or a man-made path?

Jesus Before Popes, Churches, or Capes

Catholicism claims apostolic succession from Peter, dubbed the “first pope.” But Jesus never made anyone a pope—full stop. Before organized churches, before Catholics or Orthodox argued over “first church” status, there were believers, “first called Christians at Antioch” (Acts 11:26). Before them? The apostles. Before them? Jesus Himself, declaring, “Whosoever believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:26). He offered “living water” freely, no payment required (John 4:10–14). John 3:16 seals it: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). No pope, no institution—just Jesus. How’s that for a foundation?

The True Church: Christ’s Body

Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Catholics claim Peter’s the rock; others say it’s faith in Christ. Either way, the Church is Christ’s body, “for whom he gave himself” (Ephesians 5:25). Human traditions, like towers of Babel, start on this foundation but veer off. Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and others claim primacy, yet history shows schisms, crusades, and scandals—not progress. Scripture warns, “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee” (Proverbs 30:6). When Peter tried adding requirements to the gospel, Paul corrected him (Galatians 2:11–14). Peter repented, returning to Jesus. Shouldn’t we?

Pundits, Popes, and the Path Forward

Today’s talking heads fawn over Pope Leo XIV, but their chatter misses the mark. X posts gush about Prevost’s “global perspective” (@VaticanNews), yet few ask: Does this point to Jesus? The Bible’s clear: salvation’s through Christ, not ceremonies. If Peter, the “first pope,” needed correction, so do we all. The true Church isn’t a Vatican or a patriarchate—it’s believers anchored in Jesus. As I’d say, ditch the capes and grab the cross. For more on living for Christ, check our Theology Unpacked series. What’s your foundation—man or Messiah?

Recommended Resources

Discover Jesus as the true foundation with C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity.

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Explore Christ’s claims with Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ.

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Pope Leo XIV’s election is a spectacle, but Jesus remains the story. The Church is His body, not a human hierarchy. Share your thoughts below—where’s your faith rooted? For more biblical truth, visit our homepage. Let’s cling to Christ alone!

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