Jesus, Peter and the Pope

What You Should Know

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz

32nd Senatorial District

718-991-3161

JESUS, PETER AND THE POPE

You should know that Pope Francis soon, for the first time, in his official capacity as Pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church will be visiting the United States of America.

You should also know that since its inception the Catholic Church believes that the Pope is the “Vicar of Christ” and Successor of the Apostle Peter. This belief is based on the conversation that took place between Jesus and Simon the fisherman two thousand years ago.

During said conversation Jesus asked Simon “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And Simon answered and said you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. And Jesus answered and said to him blessed are Simon Bar-jona; for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also to you , That you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven and what so ever you bind on earth it shall be bound in Heaven and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.” (Matthew 16:13-19)

Know my dear reader, that since the Catholic Church believes that the Pope is the heir to Peter’s throne, consequently all decrees, opinions, declarations, all pronouncements by the Pope in his official capacity is infallible and as such, the church is to follow without variation or questions.

Based on those teachings, for decades, the Popes have kept the church standing firm defending what is believed to be the true word of God. The Catholic Church has been the institution that publicly has been among the most vocal advocates for the Right to Life, has stood against abortions, euthanasia, and have stood against gay marriage in defense of the family and traditional family values.

It is important for you to know that throughout history , the Church of Christ has never been nor has tried to be politically correct. The church has always based its authority in the conversation between Jesus and Peter. The church has always been the defender, protector, and responsible for maintaining and keeping the sanctity of the word of God. As a result the church serves as a court and the Pope its supreme judge on religious matters for thousands of years.

Know my dear reader, that nowadays favoring abortions, and same sex marriage has become politically correct and it’s what the majority of people tend to applaud. In this critical time of church history it is now, when the voice of the church is needed firm, loud and clear.

It concerns me when Pope Frances, when asked about his opinion regarding same sex marriage, responded “ who am I to judge?”

My dear reader, frankly I am confused by Pope Francis declaration. Said declaration has prompted a public debate where Catholic Priests and parishioners have had to publically explain what the Pope meant. Because according to the conversation between Jesus and Peter, Jesus made Peter a judge by stating “I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven and whatsoever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “ (Matthew 16:19) Obviously Jesus appointed the Apostle Peter to be Judge over what is correct or incorrect according to the word of God.

If according to the Catholic church the Pope is the Vicar of Christ and the heir to Peter’s throne here on earth then, he the Pope, has the complete authority to judge, bind and loose here on earth. So when Pope Francis says “who am I to Judge?” the answer is you are the Pope.

This is Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.