Peter In Rome? - Table of Contents - David J Albert - June 1973

David J Albert

Few theological questions loom as important to Christianity in the West as that of the primacy of Rome as established by claims to the labors, episcopacy, death, and burial of the Apostle Peter at that city. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia: The significance of Rome lies primarily in the fact that it is the city of the pope. The Bishop of Rome, as the successor of St. Peter, is the Vicar of Christ on earth and visible head of the Catholic Church. Rome is consequently the center of unity in belief, the source of ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and the seat of the supreme authority which can bind by its enactments the faithful throughout the world. The Diocese of Rome is known as the "See of Peter," the "Apostolic See," the Holy Roman Church, the "Holy See" — titles which indicate its unique position in Christendom and suggest the origin of its preeminence. [U. Benigni, "Rome," Catholic Encyclopedia (New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911), XIII, p. 164.] (Emphasis mine throughout.) - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library