Some imperial trappings of modern papacy might be off-putting to the outsiders, but they are not the essence of the Papacy.
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I hope not. But one would not always know that given the behavior of those under the Pope.
And, I contend that such trappings are indeed part and parcel of what set up the Roman Bishop as THE POPE to begin with--a political imperial mindset and the troops and political clout to make it stick.
Had nothing to do with Peter. Had nothing to do with any line of baton passing. Had nothing to do with the passing of any keys to The Kingdom. Had nothing to do with the Roman Bishop being more righteous, holy, humble, sanctified, anointed than any of the other Bishops.
Only had to do with political power mongering and clout.
History, at least, is rather clear on that point.
Thankfully.
Which part? Papacy had moral clout, and at times certain political clout. It hardly ever was imperial.