From Peter to Francis

In the Acts of the Apostles, we come to know Peter as the head of the early church. When Simon is renamed "Rock" (Peter) and given the “keys to the kingdom”, Christ is establishing the office of leadership over the Church.

Peter's successors provide a bridge from the early days of Christianity to today, giving us a continuous chain of earthly leadership until Christ comes again. (Did you know that "pope" means "bridge"?!)

The pope is also known as the Vicar of Christ, the head of the Catholic Church, the Bishop of Rome, and Shepherd of the Church.

Want to Know More?

• Learn How a Pope Is Elected. 
• What is the concept of Infallibility all about?
• How the Papacy is God's Gift
• Read about some of our Past Popes   

Church

Beliefs

Bible

Prayer

Mary

Pope

Saints

Sacraments

Seasons

Resources

Pope Francis Photos

Pope Francis' Biography

The Pope App

Upon this Rock

(by Stephen Ray) is available at the public library and provides an in-depth review of the papacy in the early church.