The Catholic Church is led by sinners therefore you should not be Catholic!

A Protestant evangelist or street preacher might try to undermine your commitment to the Catholic Church by pointing out the sins and mistakes of Popes and Bishops, arguing that you shouldn’t follow such flawed leaders and should therefore leave the Church. Some might even suggest that by remaining Catholic, you are endorsing their wrongdoings. How should you respond? Here’s how I would approach it:

First, it’s important to acknowledge that no one is without sin, regardless of their role within the Church. This truth applies universally, to both Catholics and Protestants. Throughout history, every Christian tradition has had leaders who were both virtuous and flawed. These personal failings, however, do not negate the truth of the faith they represent.

The Catholic Church is built on Christ, not on the perfection of its leaders. Even though Popes and Bishops are held to high standards, their human weaknesses do not undermine the Church’s teachings or the validity of its sacraments. For over two thousand years, the Church has been sustained by the Holy Spirit, enduring despite the imperfections of some of its leaders.

When Church leaders fail, the answer isn’t to abandon the faith but to deepen our own commitment to Christ and His Church. Our faith is in God, who promised that the gates of Hell would not prevail against the Church—not in the personal infallibility of its human leaders. Remaining faithful to the Church isn’t about excusing sin; it’s about holding fast to the truth that the Church, despite human flaws, continues to teach and uphold.