Why is the doctrine of papal supremacy important for Christians?

Papal supremacy claims that the Pope holds the highest authority on earth, positioning him as a Vicar of Christ. This doctrine is critical for understanding the historical power dynamics within the Roman Catholic Church, and it raises significant theological concerns for Christians. The primary issue lies in its direct contradiction to the biblical teaching that Christ alone is the head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23). When the Pope is portrayed as having ultimate authority over spiritual and temporal matters, it places human leadership above the authority of Scripture. Furthermore, it fosters a reliance on Church hierarchy for salvation rather than faith in Christ alone as articulated in Acts 4:12, where it is stated that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Ultimately, recognizing the flaws in the doctrine of papal supremacy is critical for upholding the integrity of the Gospel and true Christian liberty.