True.
But you fail to see the obvious conclusion...
If the church (as you just said) is allowed to grow... maybe the church “out grew” catholicism.
Christ established his Church on the Apostles, telling them that he would be with them always and that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against it.
Are Christ’s promises the reason there still is a Catholic Church through the entire world?
Not likely that the seed that was created, planted, nourished and protected (to this day) by Christ Jesus Himself "out grew" itself however branches that separate themselves from the vine wither and die.