Popes

[Maccabeus]

From what I have come across, it appears that in our Catholic history we've had about 8 out of 266 popes that did not live their lives worthy of the throne of Peter. How do I defend the Roman Church against protestants that use this as a weapon against us. Can you point out to me any solid bible scriptures -("Solid" because lots of them, will say its Blue even though I'm showing them purple!) that support the so called "Popery" & Why would God allow ungodly men to control his flock at times?

[CatherineM]

Peter, whom Christ personally chose to lead his church, denied Our Lord not once but three times. Christ knew Peter would do this, but still chose him as our first Pope. I believe Christ did this for two main reasons. First, Peter was still the best person for the job. More importantly Christ knew he had to leave his perfect Church in the hands of imperfect humans. By telling Peter ahead of time that he would deny him, Christ was preparing Peter, and all of us through the centuries, that Popes are human and are going to make mistakes, and that the Church will survive those times.

In fact we not only survive the failings of our human leaders, we come out of the difficult times stronger for it. The reason for that is ultimately the Holy Spirit is in the driver's seat. Peter used his great failing as impetuous to work harder, and I believe it may have given him the strength to face his own martyrdom. The United States survived a few bad Presidents and the British Monarchy survived many bad Kings and they are both man made institutions. Our Church was established by God and can survive anything thrown at us, even bad Popes.