The Papacy: What the Pope Does and Why It Matters

by Stephen K. Ray; Dennis K Walters

Publisher:

Ignatius

, 2018

Overview

The Papacy explains that without the Pope’s divinely guided leadership, the Church would suffer the contradictions and the divisions that many Christian groups know firsthand. The teaching passed down from the apostles would be subject to arbitrary, relative, and numerous interpretations; holiness would be only a distant ideal; and the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church founded by Jesus would break apart.

In describing the Pope’s important and singular role as leader and teacher, the book addresses common misconceptions and objections to the papacy. It also explains how the papacy developed and how the Pope is elected.

The authors present some great Popes in history, showing the qualities and the accomplishments that made them great. They demonstrate that the Pope is important not only for Catholics, but also for non-Catholic Christians and even non-Christians.

Key Features

• Explains that without the Pope’s divinely guided leadership, the Church would suffer divisions.
• Addresses common misconceptions and objections to the papacy.
• Explains how the papacy developed and how the Pope is elected.

Praise for The Papacy

This is a clearly written, easy-to-read explanation and defense of the papacy. I would recommend any Catholic, or even anyone interested in this much misunderstood part of the Catholic faith, to pick up a copy.

— Trent Horn, Author, The Case for Catholicism

This book offers an easy-to-digest, clear introduction to all things papal. From Peter to Francis, from Matthew’s Gospel to Revelation, and from the first century to the twenty-first, it shows why the papacy has an indispensable role in salvation history.

— Karl Keating, Founder, Catholic Answers; Author, Catholicism and Fundamentalism

The authors deftly untangle knotty misconceptions and make the case that Christianity will thrive in the present age only if we recover the unity that Christ intended the Petrine ministry to protect and cultivate.

— Al Kresta, Catholic Radio Host, Kresta in the Afternoon

Product Details

• Title: The Papacy: What the Pope Does and Why It Matters
• Authors: Stephen K. Ray, Dennis K Walters
• Publisher: Ignatius
• Print Publication Date: 2018
• Pages: 170
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• ISBNs: 9781621642169, 162164216X
• Resource ID: LLS:PPCYWHTPPTMTTRS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-01-30T17:50:55Z