Is it divergent to believe the Pope has some authority?
I've tendered this for some time as to the legitimate authority of the bishop of Rome. It seems clear that St. Peter was given a foundational role by Christ at the declaration of apostolic succession. I personally subscribe to the idea that there is a succession that continues in congruence with the original ordination of St. Peter, and I would tender that basically (strong emphasis on "basically") all denominations that have ecclesial clergy ordained by the means prescribed in the New Testament hold valid authority.
That being said, I stand at a crossroads in legitimately understanding how the role of the bishop of Rome fits in the whole architectural structure of Christ's visible church. I would disagree with Martin Luther's interpretation that the Pope is somehow now the Whore of Babylon who is now wreaking havoc and leading Christ's church astray. I believe that he is a legitimate shepherd placed by God to administer to His Catholic children. However, I wonder then if it is then illegitimate to what the Scriptures say in lieu of denying the Roman faith to still accept to some degree that the Pope occupies the chair of St. Peter, almost as the primus inter pares. Granted, I have scarcely looked into the historicity of each pope and his practice in authority (though I know of the many antipopes that have tried to claim authority), but seeing the actions of Pope Leo XIV and his continual dedication to defending the Roman faith, I cannot help but defer to him some sort of legitimacy as prescribed by Jesus at the pronouncement of St. Peter's faith. And again, Pope Leo's actions do not necessarily have to be out of legitimate authority he was given, but simply as another ordinary shepherd of Christ's children.
I still believe that the pope can and has promulgated several errors, but I believe that simply to be due to the fallible nature of all mankind. The Holy Spirit works through fallible men so that we might be saved to an infallible Father. By no means either do I believe that churches that lack true apostolic succession are themselves illegitimate. I know that several Lutheran churches, especially in North America, lack a legitimate lineage tracing back to the apostles, but it continues to intrigue me the great divide that lays between the Protestant bodies and the traditional Roman and Eastern Orthodox churches.