text: Jesus never stated that people could not appoint their own bishops.  This was the custom in the early Christian era.  Both St. Ambrose of Milan was elected bishop BEFORE he was even baptized, and St. Augustine was elected bishop of Hippo as well.  St. Leo, the Great was elected bishop of Rome by the people. 
  
  
  I am sure that the people prayed BEFORE they selected their bishops, just as Jesus did.  If Christ dwells with his people, then he continues to pray in them, before a bishop/pope is selected by the people as well.