THE PAPACY!  Nothing causes greater anxiety, fear and confusion for those outside of the Roman Catholic Church, Christians or otherwise, than knowing that the bishop of Rome claims to be the leader of Christianity as the successor of St. Peter.  The Orthodox East identifies the Pope as the first among equals in regard to the other bishops, but he does not reign supreme over the Church.  The myriads of Christians of the West, who splintered in all directions after the break from unity with Rome in the 16th Century, do not have apostolic succession and, therefore, no sacraments and no divinely created leadership of the Church.   They live for Christ in a variety of ways.

All of humanity looks for leadership. Many fight against it in whatever form as there are some true "loners" in the hills or tucked away in the city. Yet, soldiers want a good sergeant; students want a good teacher, children need parents.  True as this is, Christ Jesus did not change Simon's name to Peter to care for a psychological developmental in the other 11 apostles.  Jesus intended to found a Church and He took Simon Peter aside to call him on to greater responsibility and holiness. At the Last Supper, Luke records Jesus telling Peter that "Satan demanded to have you that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you turned again, strengthen your brethren." (Lk 22:31-34) Our Lord knew and prayed that Peter must be strong to lead and guide.  After the Resurrection John writes of the handful of apostles, who while fishing, encountered Jesus on the shore of Galilee.   After the large catch of fish, the "beloved disciple" identifies the Lord, yet Peter jumps in the water to hurry to shore.  Jesus asked for some of the fish, and Peter grabbed the net filled with 153 fish.  According to St. Jerome, the number identifies all known fish in that part of the world, so, Peter, who with the other disciples has thrown the net, brings the fullness of the world to Jesus.  Jesus and Peter have a conversation after the meal where Jesus questions Peter three times, "Peter, do you love me?"  This clearly is humbling and purifying for Peter as it counters his three denials of Christ.  Peter says he loves Jesus three times who responds to each statement of love, "Feed my lambs." "Tend my sheep." "Feed my sheep."  Jesus, in the past, has commanded the 12 to proclaim the Good News and shepherd the flock. Yet, Jesus clearly gives special attention and responsibility to Peter.   Acts of the Apostles begins with Peter seeking the community to choose a successor of Judas Iscariot. At Pentecost it is Peter who proclaims the Scripture to the Jews gathered for the festival.  In Acts 10 it is Peter who addresses the gentiles who receive the Holy Spirit after his preaching.   Yes, later in Acts, Paul will challenge Peter regarding observance of the Jewish law as a prerequisite for faith in Christ Jesus. This event does not dismiss Peter's position of authority.  Throughout history, theologians or bishops have disagreed with Popes in council, private or public. Finally, we accept that God gave authority to men, such as Abraham, Moses and David.  We know that "whoever sees the Son sees the Father", then Jesus, who gave authority to the 12 also singularly gave authority to Peter. 

"The ministry of Peter is absolutely necessary...to present God's peace and the renewing power of his love. The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Successor of Peter has the mission to serve the inner unity that comes from God's peace, the unity of those who have become brothers and sisters in Christ." Pope Benedict XVI