[Zemo]

Yes, but laymen have no ability to force any ecumenical council.

True. But the laymen do have a role in the church. Thus it is more accurate to say that the church is a republic.

It can be said that the Latins have turned their church into a Papal autocracy where the Pope becomes his own ecumenical authority when such authority only rests with the assembled councils of bishops.

[wagglebee]

It can be said that the Latins have turned their church into a Papal autocracy where the Pope becomes his own ecumenical authority when such authority only rests with the assembled councils of bishops.

Our Lord gave the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to the Apostle Peter, NOT a "republic" or whatever else you fancy His Church to be.

If you don't like it, then you can either commune with the Orthodox or you can join some post-fifteenth century group that believes whatever makes you most comfortable.