The word "priest" comes from the Greek "presbyter," meaning "elder". The office of elder is mentioned in the NT, and has existed in the Church from the earliest times. The Pope can no more "eliminate priests" than he can eliminate Jesus.
The idea that priests are "on Heaven's fast-track" is not Catholic teaching. Scripture says that teachers are judged more severely. Does that sound like being "on Heaven's fast-track" to you?
What Scripture says, and
what Catholics have created
in their "priesthood," are
two different things.
"Elders" are fine. Bureaucrats
of the soul are not.