Sigh...
The ONLY things P's an C's 'interpret' differently, mainly conbsist of an atlas of maps of various molehills.
The C's want to claim SO many of their rituals are SO important to a persons soulish destination, and the P's show scripture that knocks those claims down.
I'm sorry you guys have to choose a new pope to quide you; but we Protestants still have a Leader that's in charge.
PS I'd bet the that Catholicism would keep going just fine withOUT a pope!
Try it and see for a couple of years. The money could be used to advance Christ's kingdom on Earth.
I think it would be a great idea if the Catholic Church, as it decides on who should be the new Pope to lead them into this next millennium, made a clean break with all the extraneous hoopla and regalia, the sumptuous palaces and elaborate clothing and headgear. Think how much money could be diverted to genuine needs if the big cheese wore nice business suits and normal shoes? If he lived in a modest home and drove around in modest vehicles? If he flew commercial (first class, of course) instead of private jets? If all the other semi-big cheeses dressed that way as well? Somehow, I just cannot envision St. Peter, had he arrived on the scene today, putting up with the finery, pomp and royal treatment. Something tells me Jesus would have expected a bit more humility than what tries to pass herself off as HIS church.