Many people ask if the office of the Pope — the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church — is found in the Bible. It’s a sincere and important question, because it goes to the heart of how the Church understands its unity and guidance through history. While the word “Pope” itself does not appear in Scripture, the roots of the papacy are deeply biblical.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says to Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Here, Christ gives Simon a new name — Peter, meaning rock — and entrusts him with a special mission. In the next verse, Jesus adds, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19). In the ancient world, keys symbolized authority and stewardship. This moment marks Peter’s unique role as the visible head of the Church on earth, a role that Catholics see continued through his successors — the Popes.
Throughout the New Testament, Peter stands out as the one who speaks on behalf of the apostles (Acts 2:14), makes decisions for the community (Acts 15:7), and receives the Lord’s personal command to “feed my sheep” (John 21:17). These passages reveal a clear pattern of leadership and pastoral care. The early Church recognized Peter’s authority, and after his death in Rome, his successors — the bishops of Rome — carried on his ministry of unity and guidance.
So, while the title “Pope” developed later (from the Latin papa, meaning “father”), the role it describes — a visible shepherd who unites the Church in Christ — comes directly from the mission Jesus gave to Peter. The Pope, therefore, is not an invention of history, but a continuation of the apostolic foundation Christ Himself laid.
The Lord never leaves His flock without a shepherd. As He guided His Church through Peter, He continues to guide her today through Peter’s successors — reminding us that the same Jesus who said, “I am with you always” still keeps His promise.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
