>> The Catholic church has set up a self-perpetuating system based on nothing else other than the fact than "because we said so." <<
Yes! The office was given to St. Peter firstly, and to the apostles, collectively, that they DO get to say so! Jesus very plainly told Peter that he had such authority! He was given the keys to the kingdom, the mark of a regent. And the office of regent, to fulfill its function, was always handed down until the return of the King. So yes, the Pope does get to say, "because I said so." Because he has the power given to him by Christ, which every Protestant claims for himself: to declare what is bound and loosed in Heaven and on Earth.
Like I said earlier, I'm glad Proddies were the dominant force in the colonies. If it had been RCs we'd still be hearing what a great tradition a monarchy is and sending taxes to England.