Roman Catholic tradition holds that Jesus established St. Peter as the first pope (Matthew 16:18). Jesus also gave him “the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19), which is why he is often depicted at the gates of heaven in art and popular culture.
Did Jesus appoint the first pope?
According to Catholic doctrine, Jesus appointed Peter as the first pope.
Who was the first to be called pope?
Pope
| Bishop of Rome Pontifex maximus Pope | |
|---|---|
| First holder | Saint Peter |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Established | 1st century |
| Diocese | Rome |
When was the term pope first used?
From the early 3rd century the title was applied generically to all bishops. The earliest extant record of the word papa being used in reference to a Bishop of Rome dates to late 3rd century, when it was applied to Pope Marcellinus.
Is there a pope in the Bible?
Among those to have been pope, Peter, Linus, and Clement I are specifically named in the New Testament. Linus is mentioned in the valediction of the Second Epistle to Timothy as being with Paul the Apostle in Rome near the end of Paul’s life.
…
Pope Linus.
| Pope Saint Linus | |
|---|---|
| Patronage | Patronage list |