The Church has a visible Head on earth - the Bishop of Rome, who is the Vicar of Christ.
Although Jesus Christ is the invisible and supreme Head of the Church, He established a visible structure to preserve unity among His followers. The Bishop of Rome, commonly called the Pope, is the successor of Saint Peter, whom Christ appointed to strengthen his brethren and shepherd His flock. The title "Vicar of Christ" means that the Pope serves as Christ's representative on earth, not as a replacement for Christ. Catholics believe that the Pope has a unique role in preserving the unity of the Church and safeguarding the deposit of faith entrusted to the apostles. Throughout history, the Popes have served as visible signs of communion among Catholics worldwide. While individual Popes are human and capable of personal faults, Catholics believe that Christ continues to guide His Church through the office established for Peter and his successors.
Christ, in instituting the Twelve, constituted them in the form of a college with Peter at their head. The Lord made Simon alone, whom he named Peter, the rock of his Church. The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Peter's successor, is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity of the whole Church.
Matthew 16:18-19
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
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