Jerome was/still is correct. In Mt. 23:9 Jesus, in this case, used the word "father" not referring to the literal line-of-descent ancestors, but rather grammatically and syntactically was ordering his disciples not to confer the title "Father" to anyone but The God of The Heaven, Who in the figurative-literal sense is The Only One Who can save and impart a spiritual birth to a sin-sick soul.
Looking at the context, here is a precise translation of the Koine:
"But yourselves be not titled, Rahb-bee! For One is The Leader of you, The Christ. But you all yourself are brothers. And do not title anyone upon the Earth, Father of You! For One is The Father of you, The One in the Heavens. Neither be titled Leaders! For One is The Leader of you, The Christ. But the greatest one of you shall be your domestic servant. But who ever shall exalt himself, he shall be humbled. And who ever humble himself, he shall be exalted" (Mt. 23:8-12 from "The Gospels: A Precise Translation", published by Happy Heralds, Inc., see home page).
The context here in this chapter points out that Jesus is dealing with the leaven of hypocrisy by either Jews or would-be "Christians" who allow themselves to be called pompous titles (and similarly to wear distinctively ostentatious clothes, and obtain preferred status, I presume, from the immediate context)(and not to be shared, Is. 42:8).
My feeling is that your post does not make the distinction between being the physical or/and spiritual father of one or more children; as opposed to permitting a mantle of titled veneration to be conferred on one. Let me suggest that it is not wise to confuse paternity with organizational titles.
Thus referring to early apostles and prophets, or their disciples as Papal, or Patristics, or Father, or Reverend, or Holy Father, as earned figurative-literal titles, is quite contrary to the literal command of The Anointed One and Master, Jesus, to not ever allow this elevation by a title of veneration to be settled on oneself other than Himself, as it is a defining mark of blatant hypocrisy.
"He sent redemption unto His People: He hath commanded His Covenant for ever: "Holy" and "Reverend" is His Name" (Ps. 111:9).
It is a fearsome thing to ever permit a spiritually immature fellow human to mistakenly misuse this form of address, a misplaced devotion to one's spiritual elder; much less to personally aspire to the title, apparel, and preferred treatment that such election by humans bring.
The humble recognition afforded by "Brother" or "Sister" is good and honorific enough.
And BTW Jerome, though a great scholar and translator of his day, is no greater a saint, than myself or any other citizen of the Kingdom of The God, a title conferred by The God Himself, and not by (a) human(s) (Colossians 1:2, Philippians 4:21, Hebrews 13:24, for examples of many).
Respectfully -- a sermonette for Mothers' Day. Now, there's a good address form -- hope you love and respect your Mom, today and every day!
Thank You.