Yes, but if you are going to put your faith in a religious leader, as opposed to sola scriptura, it seems to me that a higher standard of the leader, is required. I don't like to work for a man who knows less about the job than I do.
I'd hope the only Religious Leader that I cared to put that kind of faith in, is Jesus Christ. The Pope is claiming to be #2. I don't agree. But I don't see some New Catholic Holocaust stemming from this. Benedict/Ratzinger is not that kind of man. Now if Kenneth Ham got elected pope I'd worry a bit more.