A New Pope: 10 Convictions That Divide Protestants And Catholics

by Prophecy News Watch, New American Prophet, ©2025

(May 10, 2025) — After just two days and four secret ballots in the Sistine Chapel, the College of Cardinals elevated Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost to the See of Peter as Pope Leo XIV—an outcome that underscores the doctrinal rifts at the heart of Christendom and the enduring reasons for our divide. Although Catholics and Protestants often use similar words and phrases, the meanings they attach to those terms are profoundly different. 

Here are ten doctrinal fault lines that explain why true unity remains out of reach: while we can—and should—show mutual respect, we cannot pretend these convictions don’t exist. It’s the perfect moment to re-examine what you believe and why. Here are ten important distinctives that remain vital to one’s faith and how they differ between the faith groups:

1. Authority: Scripture Alone vs. Scripture + Tradition

Catholic position: Scripture and Sacred Tradition together form the deposit of faith, interpreted by the Magisterium to preserve doctrinal unity. The Church teaches that without Tradition, many truths of the faith would remain hidden or misunderstood.

Protestant conviction: Sola Scriptura insists the Bible alone governs faith and practice. By elevating Scripture above human traditions, we safeguard against the risk that teachings developed over centuries could drift from God’s original revelation.

2. Justification: Faith + Works vs. Faith Alone

Catholic position: Justification is infused by grace, then sustained by faith and cooperative works through the sacraments, culminating in final sanctification. This process emphasizes a

lifelong cooperation with God’s grace, where human effort and divine provision work in tandem.

Protestant conviction: Sola Fide teaches that we are declared righteous solely through faith in Christ’s atoning work (Ephesians 2:8–9). Any attempt to add human merit to this declaration risks undermining the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and the assurance it provides.

3. The Priesthood: Ordained Clergy vs. Universal Priesthood

Catholic position: A distinct, apostolic priesthood—conferred through Holy Orders—acts in persona Christi, especially in celebrating the Eucharist. This clerical hierarchy is seen as a safeguard for doctrinal integrity and sacramental validity across generations.

Protestant conviction: The priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) means every Christian has direct access to God through Christ, can pray, serve, and steward Scripture without sacerdotal intermediaries. This democratization of ministry encourages every believer to use their gifts for the edification of the whole body.

The the rest here.