What the RCC gets so wrong is that Christ has always been leading His flock homeward throughout the centuries. And this He did in spite of the error fostered by the church in Rome.
"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours." -- 1 Corinthians 1:2
Christ told us to "Be not afraid; only believe" (Mark 5:36). The simplicity of that is profound. And yet the RCC embroils Christ's clear instructions with so much gilded deflection as to make it almost unrecognizable. At some point, all that intentional misdirection becomes outright error for which it will be held accountable.
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God... And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie" -- 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4;8-11"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Language is imprecise; men deceive and are deceived; traditions change with time and circumstance. But the word of God and the power of God remain perfect forever.
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." -- 1 Corinthians 1:18
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men. Mark 7:7