St. Peter: The First Pope of the Roman Catholic Church
From humble fisherman to foundational leader of the Church
There are moments in life when everything changes — when a person is called beyond what they thought possible. For one Galilean fisherman named Simon, that moment came when Jesus said, “Follow Me.” From that day forward, Simon became St. Peter, a man transformed by Christ’s grace and appointed to lead what would become the largest religious body in history: the Roman Catholic Church.
Born around AD 1 and martyred around AD 64–67, St. Peter lived during the turbulent decades that saw both the crucifixion of Christ and the explosive growth of the early Church. His life bridged the earthly ministry of Jesus and the rise of a global Christian movement rooted in faith, hope, and sacrificial love.
But how did this ordinary man become the first pope? Why does the Church believe St. Peter holds a unique, unrepeatable position in Christian history? And what does his story say to the world today?
In this article, True Jesus Way will walk through the life of Saint Peter, tracing his journey from his humble beginnings to his divine commissioning by Jesus, his bold leadership in the early Church, his martyrdom in Rome, and his ongoing legacy as pope Peter — the first shepherd of the worldwide Catholic Church.
Who Was St. Peter? — His Life and Calling
To understand St. Peter, we must begin with Simon — the man he was before he met Jesus.
Simon was a fisherman in Bethsaida, a village near the Sea of Galilee. Along with his brother Andrew, he made his living from the waters, casting nets and hauling in fish to support his family. He was married (Mark 1:30) and lived in Capernaum, a town that would later become a central base for Jesus’ ministry.
It was in the middle of this ordinary life that the extraordinary broke in.
One day, while Simon and Andrew were working, Jesus walked along the shore and called out: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Scripture tells us they immediately left their nets and followed Him.
That willingness to leave everything behind is the beginning of St. Peter’s transformation. Though still known as Simon, Jesus soon gives him a new name: Peter, meaning “rock” (John 1:42). This renaming is no small detail. In the Bible, a change in name often signifies a change in destiny. Abram becomes Abraham. Jacob becomes Israel. And Simon becomes Peter — not just a follower, but the future foundation of the Church.
Throughout the Gospels, St. Peter plays a prominent role:
- He is part of Jesus’ inner circle, present at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8).
- He speaks on behalf of the other disciples (Matthew 16:16).
- He asks the bold questions and takes bold actions — such as walking on water toward Jesus (Matthew 14:28–30).
- He confesses Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” — a moment of divine revelation (Matthew 16:16–17).
But Peter also reveals his weaknesses:
- He tries to prevent Jesus from going to the cross (Matthew 16:22–23).
- He falls asleep in Gethsemane when Jesus asks him to keep watch (Matthew 26:40).
- He famously denies Jesus three times during His trial (Luke 22:61–62).
These failures are heartbreaking, but they prepare the way for one of the most powerful moments of grace in Scripture. After His resurrection, Jesus meets Peter and lovingly restores him. In John 21, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” And three times, Peter affirms his love. Jesus responds each time with a commission: “Feed My sheep.”
This is not just restoration — it’s installation. Jesus is calling Saint Peter to be the shepherd of His people. And thus begins his role as pope Peter, the earthly leader of Christ’s spiritual flock.
The Biblical Foundation for Peter’s Papal Role
The idea that St. Peter was the first pope is not based on legend or later tradition alone. It is rooted in the very words of Christ.
In Matthew 16:18–19, Jesus says:
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
This passage is foundational for understanding why the Catholic Church views pope Peter as the first among equals — the leader and visible head of the Church.
Let’s look closer:
“You are Peter, and on this rock…”
Here Jesus deliberately uses a play on words. The Greek name Petros (Peter) and the word petra (rock) are connected. In Aramaic — the language Jesus likely spoke — the word is the same: Kepha.
Christ is saying, “You are Rock, and on this Rock I will build My Church.” He is not speaking of abstract ideas or theological confessions alone — He is speaking to a person. He is appointing St. Peter to be the earthly foundation of His Church.
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…”
In biblical imagery, keys represent authority. In Isaiah 22:22, the “key of the house of David” is given to a steward who governs on behalf of the king. That person has the authority to open and shut doors — to make binding decisions.
Jesus gives these spiritual keys to pope Peter, symbolizing his role as steward over Christ’s household on earth — the Church.
“Whatever you bind… whatever you loose…”
In Jewish tradition, “binding and loosing” referred to teaching authority — the power to declare what is permitted and what is forbidden under God’s law. When Jesus gives this authority to Saint Peter, He is entrusting him with the spiritual leadership of the community.
This is not a moment of symbolic honor — it is a divine appointment.
Other biblical moments reinforce this role:
- Luke 22:31–32: Jesus says, “I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
- John 21:15–17: Jesus tells Peter three times, “Feed My sheep.” This pastoral command is unique to pope Peter.
- Acts 2: On the day of Pentecost, Peter preaches the first Christian sermon, inaugurating the Church.
- Acts 10: Peter receives a vision affirming that salvation is for Gentiles too — and becomes the first to welcome them into the Church.
No other apostle is spoken of in these terms. Only St. Peter is consistently placed at the center of leadership, decision-making, and spiritual authority.
Peter’s Leadership in the Early Church
The book of Acts presents St. Peter as the clear leader of the early Christian movement.
After Jesus ascends to heaven, Peter immediately steps into a leadership role. In Acts 1, he leads the process of choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot. He quotes Scripture, makes the case, and guides the community through discernment — something pope Peter would do time and again.
At Pentecost (Acts 2), when the Holy Spirit descends in tongues of fire, it is Peter who steps forward to preach. He declares boldly that Jesus — whom the people crucified — has risen and is Lord. His message pierces hearts, and 3,000 people are baptized that day.
Peter doesn’t stop there:
- He heals the lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3).
- He confronts the Sanhedrin, declaring, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
- He oversees the Church’s response to corruption in the community (Acts 5:1–11).
- He welcomes the Gentile Cornelius into the Church (Acts 10), breaking Jewish social barriers.
At the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15), when a major debate arises about whether Gentile converts must follow the Mosaic Law, Peter gives the decisive speech. He reminds the community that salvation is through grace, not legal observance. His voice brings unity and direction.
Throughout all these scenes, we see not only Peter’s boldness, but his role as pope Peter — shepherd, teacher, and guardian of the faith.
Peter in Rome: Tradition and Historical Legacy
While the Bible focuses mainly on Peter’s ministry in Jerusalem and Judea, Church tradition affirms that St. Peter eventually traveled to Rome, where he served as the city’s first bishop and was martyred for his faith.
Early Christian writers, including:
- Clement of Rome (c. 96 AD),
- Ignatius of Antioch (c. 110 AD),
- Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 180 AD),
- and Eusebius of Caesarea (4th century)
all speak of pope Peter’s presence and martyrdom in Rome. According to tradition, Peter was crucified upside down under Emperor Nero around 64–67 AD. He requested this form of execution because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.
His burial place on Vatican Hill became a site of pilgrimage. In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine built a basilica over what was believed to be Peter’s tomb. Today, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City stands as a towering tribute to his legacy.
In the 20th century, archaeological excavations beneath the basilica uncovered ancient tombs and bones, with inscriptions referring to Peter. Many believe these are the remains of pope Peter, affirming both faith and history.
Because Peter died in Rome, the bishop of Rome has always been seen as his successor — the visible leader of the universal Church.
The Papacy: Peter as the First Pope
In Catholic doctrine, St. Peter’s role as the first pope forms the foundation of the apostolic succession — the belief that Christ’s authority was handed down through the bishops of the Church, beginning with Peter.
The word “pope” comes from the Latin papa, meaning “father.” While early Christian communities had many bishops, only one was entrusted with the keys of the kingdom: pope Peter.
The pope today is the:
- Successor of Peter,
- Vicar of Christ on earth,
- Visible sign of unity in the Church,
- Teacher and defender of the faith.
When the pope speaks ex cathedra — that is, “from the chair of Peter” — on matters of faith and morals, the Church believes he does so infallibly, guided by the Holy Spirit. This is not a personal privilege, but a protection for the Church against error.
From pope Peter to pope Francis, the line of succession is unbroken — spanning more than 2,000 years.
Theological Significance: Why St. Peter Still Matters
Why should a man who lived 2,000 years ago still matter to the Church today?
Because St. Peter’s story is our story.
He reminds us that God chooses the humble, transforms the broken, and builds His kingdom through grace. He shows us that leadership in the Church is not about prestige, but about service, sacrifice, and surrender to Christ.
Through pope Peter, we see the Church as Christ intended: visible, apostolic, united, and led by love.
Symbolism and Legacy of St. Peter
Throughout the centuries, the memory of Saint Peter has lived on — not only in doctrine, but in symbols that express his unique role:
- The keys: Authority to bind and loose.
- The rock: The foundation of the Church.
- The rooster: A symbol of denial — and of grace.
- The net: His calling as a fisher of men.
- The upside-down cross: His humility in death.
Every pope who takes office kneels before the legacy of pope Peter, continuing the mission to shepherd Christ’s people with faith and courage.
Conclusion: Come and Follow as Peter Did
St. Peter’s life is not just a chapter in Church history — it is a mirror of God’s mercy.
He was flawed, yet faithful. He denied, yet returned. He was afraid, yet preached with power.
He became pope Peter, not because he was great, but because God is. His legacy reminds us that the Church is not built on human strength, but on Christ’s calling and promise.
Today, the voice of Jesus still echoes: “Follow Me.”
Will you answer, as Peter did?