When Jesus said to Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18), He entrusted him with something far greater than leadership—it was a mission to shepherd souls in Christ’s name. From that moment, Peter became the visible sign of unity and faith among believers. The Pope, as Peter’s successor, continues this sacred calling in every age.
The Pope’s role is to teach, guide, and strengthen the Church, just as Peter did among the first Christians. In the Acts of the Apostles, we see Peter preaching boldly, healing, forgiving, and leading the disciples with faith rooted in Christ’s power. Each Pope steps into that same mission: to confirm the faithful in truth and to keep the Church anchored to Jesus, the true cornerstone.
Through his preaching and his witness, the Pope serves as the spiritual father of all Catholics, reminding us that the Church is not merely an institution—it is a living body with Christ as its head. When the Pope speaks on matters of faith and morals, he does so not as an individual opinion, but as the guardian of the apostolic faith passed down through the centuries.
Today, the Pope continues Peter’s mission by reaching hearts across the world—calling for mercy, peace, and conversion. He invites us to encounter Jesus personally and to build a world shaped by the Gospel. Even amid modern challenges, the Pope stands as a sign that Christ has not abandoned His Church but continues to guide her through human hands and hearts.
May we remember that when we listen to the Pope, we are hearing the echo of Peter’s faith—the same faith that began on the shores of Galilee and continues to draw us toward Christ today.
Lord, help us to see in the Pope the shepherd’s heart of Peter and to follow You more faithfully through his guidance and witness.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
