Two questions, for my fellow, beloved and respected priests in Christ:
A. How can Roman Catholics (or Christians of any other denomination) possibly justify their exaltation of any of the clergy (to say nothing with there being a unique "vicar") with the following?:
Matthew 23
1Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples,
8"But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.
9"Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
10"Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.
11" But the greatest among you shall be your servant.
12" Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.
B. Where in the New Testament, is "priest" related as an office of the church? (Instead, the Holy Word teaches that all Christians are priests, under our High Priest and Lamb of God. Period.)
Read the epistles of Paul. That is the simplest answer.
Have always felt those Scriptures were important Scriptures and too often ignored in Protestant groups, too.
Where is the title Reverend? Why does St. Paul call himself a spiritual Father? Do you call your dad Father? Why do Protestants have teachers in Bible Studies? Why do you listen to your Pastors?
You misunderstand the role of the Pope too. It is not to exalt himself over others. It is to be a servant to the servants of God. He does have a very important role as protector of the flock on the earth and the Christian faith.