St. Catherine of Siena was a holy woman who was eventually named a Doctor of the Church. She led a life of intense prayer, which led her to devote herself in a particular way to the papacy.
She truly believed in the teaching that the pope is the successor of St. Peter and the Vicar of Christ on earth.
If the pope were Satan incarnate
One of her boldest statements was in regards to the papacy:
Even if the Pope were Satan incarnate, we ought not to raise up our heads against him, but calmly lie down to rest on his bosom. He who rebels against our Father is condemned to death, for that which we do to him we do to Christ: We honor Christ if we honor the Pope; we dishonor Christ if we dishonor the Pope.
Some might object to such a forceful statement, as some popes in the history of the Church have lived very sinful lives. However, she buckled down and defended this position:
I know very well that many defend themselves by boasting: “They are so corrupt, and work all manner of evil!” But God has commanded that, even if the priests, the pastors, and Christ-on-earth were incarnate devils, we be obedient and subject to them, not for their sakes, but for the sake of God, and out of obedience to Him.
Now this doesn't mean that St. Catherine of Siena was okay with popes doing bad things. In fact, she spoke very strongly to the pope and did not mince her words.
In particular, she urged the pope at the time to return to Rome, as he was living in Avignon, France, and was influenced by the French king.
She spoke strongly to him, writing, "I beg of you, on behalf of Christ crucified, that you be not a timorous child but manly. Open your mouth and swallow down the bitter for the sweet."
She also wrote, "Up, father, like a man! For I tell you that you have no need to fear."
Pope Gregory XI eventually listened to her and returned to Rome.
St. Catherine of Siena's example reminds us to recognize the human frailties of the Vicar of Christ, but also to acknowledge that he has been chosen by the Holy Spirit.
The pope needs our prayers (and sometimes our advice), to remain faithful to his calling to lead the Church with the mind of Christ. Even if we disagree with the pope's direction, we need to be loyal to him out of reverence for Christ.
