Why is the pope such a big deal?

[Locke]

The Pope is a big deal within the RCC by virtue of the doctrine of Pontifical Succession. From Matthew 16:18, the Church has decided that Peter was the first pope, and the authority of all subsequent popes derives therefrom.

When you think about it, it really isn't any sillier than any other theology, such as the 12th Imam or the authority of the Dalai Lama.

It gets more complicated when you start to factor in the Ethiopian, Coptic, Syriac, Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox traditions and then there all those oddball protestant sects.

Matthew 16:18
"And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it."

Acts 2:14a, 41
"Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd... Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."

1st Corinthians 1:10
"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought... What I mean is this: One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas'; still another, 'I follow Christ.'
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?"

Ephesians 4:15
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."

Christ is the head of the church. Any man who tries to usurp that is opposed to Christ.. so it's all human politics, they aren't serving God.