>Why is it so hard to discern he is responding to [Pope], so P=C is equating Pope with the Chair. The Chair serves a higher master
Exactly. "The Chair of St Peter" (Cathedra Petri) – the Pope figuratively occupies The Chair. Since the "election" of Francis, there's an argument within the Catholic Church that The Chair is now "vacant" (sede vacante) because Pope Benedict wrongly vacated it (was forced) and Francis was wrongly elected. (Search "pope francis invalid election") Many feel that Francis serves a Master other than Christ. Much of what he says is "good" but if one looks at his actions, they tell a different story.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/chair-of-saint-peter/