When we look back at the beginnings of the Church, we find the answer rooted in both Scripture and history. Jesus chose Peter to be the visible head of His Church, saying, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18). After Christ’s Ascension, Peter eventually traveled to Rome—the heart of the known world at that time—to preach the Gospel. It was there that he gave his life for Christ, and his martyrdom forever marked the city as the spiritual home of Christian leadership.
Rome became more than just a place of Peter’s death—it became the living sign of his mission. From the first centuries onward, Christians around the world looked to the Bishop of Rome, Peter’s successor, for unity and guidance. The early Church Fathers spoke of Rome as the “See of Peter,” a symbol of apostolic authority and continuity. Even when persecutions raged, the faith of Rome remained a source of strength for believers everywhere.
The papacy’s presence in Rome also has a profound spiritual meaning. In ancient times, Rome was the center of political power; today, it stands as a center of spiritual authority. Where once emperors ruled by might, now Christ reigns through love, mercy, and truth proclaimed by His Church. The transformation of Rome from imperial capital to Christian heart is itself a sign of redemption—God turning human history toward His divine purpose.
For us today, Rome is not just a distant city or a collection of monuments; it is a reminder of our unity in faith. When we see the dome of St. Peter’s or hear the Pope’s blessing, we are connected to the same mission that began two thousand years ago: to proclaim the Gospel to all nations. The rock of Peter still stands firm in Rome, calling us to build our lives on the same faith and love that he confessed.
May the witness of St. Peter remind us that true authority comes from service, and that every heart centered on Christ becomes, in its own way, a living Rome—a place where God dwells and leads His people.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
