But if you keep reading, just a few lines later Jesus calls Peter "Satan" and tells him "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men" (Matt 16:23)
Pretty harsh words for the new pope.
Keep reading Matthew. In the 28th chapter, when Jesus has been resurrected from the dead, he has some very important things to say to Peter and company:
"And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus never relinquished His authority here on Earth! Why would He need to? He knows all men are sinners. He is with us always! He said so, and I know it's true.
And notice he instructed the desciples to teach what HE commanded them, not what they chose to command us.
I'll depend on His Word - it's never let anyone down.
No, I meant the passage that I indicated, Mt 18:17-18, where Jesus explains that the Church — not you and not your pastor — is the final rule of faith.
It is true that all popes are flawed human beings starting with St. Peter himself. The issue on hand, however, — rules of fasting — are within episcopal authority, not papal authority. If you have questions about the papacy, I’d be happy to answer, but it is somewhat unrelated to the topic.
It is also true that Jesus has the ultimate authority in all matters. The role of the Church is indeed to teach us all the He commands, and he commanded us to fast, just as He fasted Himself (see the main article).