Topic 4 of 11
Peter, the rock, and the papacy
The Catechism teaches that the Pope, as successor of Peter, has full, supreme and universal power over the whole Church. Here is what Jesus said to Peter, and how Peter described himself.
What the Catechism teaches
The Catechism teaches that the Bishop of Rome, as Peter's successor, holds full and supreme authority in the Church, and that he is infallible when he defines a doctrine of faith or morals.
The Lord made Simon alone, whom he named Peter, the "rock" of his Church.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 881 · official text
For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 882 · official text
The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 891 · official text
What Scripture says
Jesus gave Peter a real and honoured role, and Peter was the first to preach the gospel at Pentecost. The New Testament also shows the other apostles sharing the same authority to bind and loose, Paul correcting Peter to his face, and Peter describing himself as a fellow elder under Christ, the chief Shepherd. Scripture names Christ as the one foundation and the head of the church.
18I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.”
Matthew 16:18-19 (WEB) · context
18Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will have been released in heaven.
Matthew 18:18 (WEB) · context
11But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to his face, because he stood condemned.
Galatians 2:11 (WEB) · context
1Therefore I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed: 2shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily; not for dishonest gain, but willingly; 3not as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock. 4When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.
1 Peter 5:1-4 (WEB) · context
11For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:11 (WEB) · context
19So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God, 20being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;
Ephesians 2:19-20 (WEB) · context
18He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Colossians 1:18 (WEB) · context
How Catholics answer
Catholics read Matthew 16:18 as Jesus building His Church on Peter personally, with the keys passed on to Peter's successors.
18I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.”
Matthew 16:18-19 (WEB) · context
What Scripture answers
Bible-believing Christians read the rock either as Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ, or as Peter as the first apostle to preach. Either way, Scripture says nothing about successors with supreme authority, and Paul says no one can lay any foundation other than Jesus Christ.
11For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:11 (WEB) · context
The good news
Saved by grace, through faith, in Christ
Salvation is God's free gift to everyone who trusts Jesus Christ alone.