There are over billion Catholics in the world and crowds still flock to see the Pope every where he goes.  To have the ear of a billion people is a great feat.  Even though the worth of the Papacy and its message are questioned in the media, it’s followers keep the Vatican around.  Though considered conservative, the Pope’s messages are respected.  To summarize: if it wasn’t relevant (as it is) in so many people’s lives, it would have disappeared long ago.