The Bible makes clear the plan for church leadership. Read 1 Timothy 3 and other similar passages. Its all about Elders and Deacons.
Thats it. Simple, huh?
Why some wanna go and add in popes and smoke-signals and all that is beyond belief. Certainly beyond the Bible.
The Pope is THE elder. The elder of elders, if you will.
As far as “smoke signals”, you make an issue of a non-issue all to belittle.
You’re entitled to your opinion. Accord the same.