It is not uncommon for enemies and non-believers of

Catholicism to create an argument against the succession

and therefore validity of the Bishops of Rome as true successors

to Peter by proffering the history of the "bad Popes." That

argument arises from a basic misunderstanding of Sacred

Scripture.

The first response to be made to the so-called argument from

the "bad Popes" is admission that many men who held the

 position of Bishop of Rome were not holy men. Perhaps Peter

was the best model for human failure in such a leadership role.

He denied Jesus three times after being told he would do so.

Some (e.g., Peter, Judas) who are called stumble and fall.

Some (Peter) repent and are saved. Others (Judas) reject

that grace. It behooves us to remember that Jesus does not

call saints, but sinners.