We believed that we are saved through Jesus also. We happen to think that there are many things, that God has given us, to help remain in Jesus. Prayers are essential. We do pray to Jesus and ask others to help us. We do believe in eternal life, and feel that those that have served our God continue to do so in spirit. Not all Catholics follow doctine, and that is perfectly fine. My personal experience is that Mother Mary, was given to us as an excellent role model, and I have felt her presence. She led me to Jesus. I really appreciate her.
The Pope, and other good men, have dedicated their lives, left behind wordly goods, and family behind, to dedicate their entire lives to God.
The Pope has done nothing to hurt you, yet some people hate him. I really find that sad. It hurts me too. You love your children, does that mean you love God less? Of course not. You likely love God more, when you love your children more. If you were to describe your love of a deceased grandmother, who you knew was in heaven next to God, you would probably be accused of worshipping her, but you don't. You simply love her. In loving God, you love others.
I’ve actually admired your last two Popes. I’ve never held anything against them except I don’t venerate them as Catholics do. Yes, prayers to God are essential. Eternity is real and no matter how one feels about God, they WILL spend eternity somewhere. We are eternal beings. Without Christ, eternity will be hell. That’s why I’m always concerned about these things. There will be many Catholics in heaven, for sure; there will also be Catholics in hell. The same goes for Protestants.
I love God. And I will not consciously put anything before Him; not my family or my children (which IS hard). I will put no other personage in the Bible before Him, nor any man in authority over a denomination over Him. I will pray to no one but Him, through only Jesus our intercessor.
I know you love God, too, mgist. I have never doubted that.