This was, and is contrary to the Word of God. The Bible tells us that three is no authority on earth higher than the elders of the local congregation. A universal bishop over churches is contrary to local autonomy. This concept evolved into the Bishop of Rome becoming the Pope. Also, we see how false teachers changed the doctrine and mode of baptism.
Biblical baptism is by immersion.
In immersion we identify with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection and are added to the church of Christ. This and many other false teachings brought about the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Church claims to be the true church, but during the Middle Ages, instead of being the ones who distributed the Word to the people, they were the jail keepers of the Word of God. They instituted many practices contrary to the Living Oracles. As the years around 1500 came into view the situation looked dark.