[PGR88]

As far as I’m concerned, the church & belief reside in one’s mind. I don’t need another flawed human in a specific building telling me what to think or believe.

You are not wrong - but understand, the Catholic Church allows freedom of thought and debate on temporal issues. Popes and Bishops are certainly not infallible on such things and no one ever demands you believe they are. You can respect the office, but disagree with the man.

The Catholic Church is the word of God, the Sacraments given by Jesus, and sacred tradition. That exists well beyond any particular man.

Once I realized these things, I was much happier in my Faith.

[DoodleBob]

I know people who fundamentally distrust the Pope and other leaders, and (pardon the pun) attend Sunday mass religiously. They only throw money in the basket for the parish and don't donate a penny to this or that Archdiocesan or Vatican money grab.

It's a bit like America. I love her. My love for this nation, her founding principles, and traditions isn't swayed by the loser - or winner when that happens - occupying the Executive. It is invariant to riots, cultural changes, the creep of socialism, or Springsteen fans.

Each person' soul is their responsibility. You can love the Church Trumphant, detest the leaders, and smell the rose without getting jabbed by the thorns.

[JesusIsLord]

The Catholic Church is the word of God.

Just as Fauci is not science, the Catholic church is not the Word of God. Jesus and Jesus alone is the Word of God! - John 1:1.

If you have scripture that says the Catholic Church is the Word of God - would you kindly give us the book/chapter/verse?