“the Apostolic Traditions”
The apostolic line, if there ever was one, is shattered. There have been so many bad popes, so many bad clergy, that there is nothing left. You don’t want to believe that because it defines who you are, most likely defines who your whole family is. So you will go to any length, willingly suspend any disbelief, to maintain this “apostolic” notion. But even the least rational catholics I have debated with have admitted that their church’s history is littered with bad popes and clergy.
But who cares, right? It’s not even about the issues any more. It never was. It’s who you are.
Since I believe Jesus when He promised that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against His Church I am pretty safe concluding that a few bad Popes and clergy didn't make much of a dent. The Church is a body of people in communion. Bad Popes and clergy are, by definition, not in communion. It does not require any suspension of disbelief, but it does require the acceptance of grace.
Pax Vobiscum