Who was the first Pope?
Many consider Peter the apostle (Saint Peter), to be the first one. “The Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Anglican Communion, consider Simon Peter a saint and associate him with the foundation of the Church in Rome, even if they differ on the significance of this and of the Pope in present-day Christianity. The historical accuracy of the accounts of his role in Rome is a matter of ongoing debate. Some who recognize his office as Bishop of Antioch and, later, as Bishop of Rome or Pope, hold that his episcopacy held a primacy only of honor, as a first among equals. Some propose that his primacy was not intended to pass to his successors.” More here: http://en.wikipedia.
It needs to be covered thoroughly. There is ample evidence in the early Christian writings to do so. This video series, each segment less than 10 min. long, does just that. To prepare, here’s a brief outline of early Christianity’s answer this question. • There was no bishop of Rome to be pope until over 50 years after Peter’s death! • At least two Roman bishops in the 2nd century had to be stopped from splitting the church. This was done by bishops with more respect and authority than the Roman bishop. • No Roman bishop claimed universal authority for himself until the mid-3rd century. • Cyprian of Carthage, since made a saint by the Roman Catholics, convened a council of 82 bishops to renounce “Pope” Stephen’s attempt to claim the title of “Bishop of bishops.” • At the Council of Nicea, in A.D. 325, the bishop of Rome was given authority over an area similar to that of the bishop of Alexandria. The bishop of Alexandria had authority over all of Egypt. Part One Part Two Part Three Par
