The scope and legitimacy of the pope, Servant of the Servants of God, is widely misunderstood, sometimes even among Catholics, especially as regards the charism of infallibility. The fact of the popes in an unbroken line since Jesus made Peter the first pope is necessary to the Church and the Church would cease to exist but for that reality.

How do we respond to questions about the bad popes in Church history?
by James O'Keefe, Staff Apologist
One theme that runs through the whole Bible is that God does great works despite using very poor materials. This served as a sign that it was truly God at work. Many of the ancient patriarchs were misfits, adulterers, and liars - but God’s promise to Abraham continued through them. The Hebrew people were rebellious and hard-hearted, but God made them into His chosen nation. Even the Apostles, who were handpicked by Jesus, expressed monumental failings. So it should not surprise or distress you that there have been despicable Popes. Their unworthiness neither invalidates their pontificate nor destroys the office of the Papacy. God can even work with them.

A good Biblical analogy is the case of King Saul. Toward the end of his reign he
became sinful and unworthy of the crown. David’s soldiers tempted him to kill Saul, but David refused because Saul was God’s chosen king [1Sam 24:7]. He didn’t look at the behavior of the man, but upon the anointing God gave him. Another example is Jesus’ response when the crowds asked if they could ignore the teaching authority of the hypocritical Pharisees. Christ said, “The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees sit on the Seat of Moses. You shall do and observe all they say, but do not do as they do.” [Matt 23:2-3]

Following these examples, we should not ignore the legitimate authority of an office when its occupant is scandalous. Rather, we should trust that God protects the Church. We place our confidence in the promise of Christ, who said, “The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church” and “I will be with you until the end of the age.” [Matt 16:18, 28:20]