Authority of the Pope

I'm still continuing through that list of issues that triggered the protestant reformation. To some it may sound like my goal has been to defend the catholic positions, but it is not. I am aiming to understand their point of view with the goal of increased respect and brotherly love.

I'm going to skip ahead a few issues on this list and dig into one that I'm having a harder time seeing their viewpoint on - the authority of the Pope, another concern that triggered the protestant reformation.

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=4319&CFID=23525365&CFTOKEN=38055432

The above link makes a decent argument for Peter's unique role in Christs church. However consider this part of the argument:

"There is no longer any question that Peter exercised his powers, in the last analysis, from Rome. It was there, at the center of the civilized world, that he discharged his pastoral responsibilities, and there that he died, in 64 A.D. The see (or diocese) of Rome, therefore, was a universal see, embracing the entire world, the entire flock of Christ."

One question:

By this time some Christ followers had already taken the good news to far away lands that the church in Rome would not be able to exercise any power over. I don't think there has ever been a time in history when all Christ followers have been under the authority of the Pope. It is said Thomas (one of the original 12 apostles) took the good news to India and a community of Christ followers were formed there (and possibly in Afghanistan). There were also early communities of Christ's people outside the Roman empire in areas of present-day Iran, Iraq, Syra, Armenia, Egypt, and Europe. Is there evidence that all these communities accepted Peter and future Popes as leaders of their communities?

Another Question:

What was Jesus view on leadership?

"Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves." (Luke 22:24-27 NIV)

"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matt 23:8-12 NIV)

I'm not sure what to do with these verses. How does it fit with the way Pope's or other church leaders have viewed their authority?

Compare these two verses:

1 John 2:27 (NIV)

"As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him."

Heb 13:17 (NIV)

"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."

OK then... should I still protest the authority of the Pope? If this topic comes up with my catholic friends I may share my point of view. But I don't see myself going out of my way to protest this. I don't feel God has given me authority to be the judge on this matter. If for them obedience to Heb 13:17 means submitting to their Pope, I can see their point of view. I should primarily be concerned with encouraging my 'catholic' friends to follow Jesus example of loving God and all others.