John 1:18 (A Bible Translation Comparison)

(ESV 2016)"No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." 

(ESV 2025)"No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." 

(LSB)"No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him."  

(NIV)"No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known." 

(NKJV)"No one has seen God at any time.  The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him."  

There are two significant issues with the translation of John 1:18.  The first is how to translate the Greek word "monogenes". Should it be "only" or "only begotten"?   The second issue is a textual variant in the manuscripts.  Is the original reading (monogenes theos, the only God) or (monogenes huios, the only Son)?  The majority of manuscripts have "the only Son" but the earliest manuscripts have "the only God".  

(ESV 2016) "the only God"

(ESV 2025) "God the only Son"

(LSB) "the only begotten God"

(NIV) "the one and only Son, who is himself God" 

(NKJV) "The only begotten Son"  

What Do Catholics Believe About The Pope?

Roman Catholics believe the Pope is the "Vicar of Christ" on earth.  In other words they believe the Pope is the representative of Christ on earth.  They see the Pope as the head of the church on earth.  Catholics believe the Apostle Peter was the first pope and the ones that followed him are his successors.  

Roman Catholics teach that the Pope is infallible when he speaks "ex cathedra" or from the chair.  This means he cannot be wrong when he speaks in his official capacity as Pope.  Catholics often refer to him as the Holy Father and the term pope actually means father.  

Roman Catholics reject the Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone as the ultimate authority).  They believe the authority resides in the Magisterium of the Church, that is the Pope and the bishops.  Catholics believe Scripture can only be interpreted authentically by the Magisterium of the Church.