Which of Jesus apostles became the first bishop of Rome?

Answer 1

Catholic tradition says that the apostle Peter went to Rome to lead the Christians there, and that he was the first pope. There is no actual evidence that Peter ever went to Rome, and Clement of Rome, writing (1 Clement) just thirty years after Peter was supposedly in Rome, appears to have been unaware that Peter had been to Rome. The tradition that Peter was in Rome is believed to have begun during the second century, probably by Anicetus of Rome.

If the pope is the bishop of Rome there could not have been a pope until the role was established in the second century. In the view of some, Anicetus might have been the first to hold that position, an his assertion that Peter was his predecessor would have strengthened his authority.

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Answer 2

Catholic Answer:
The Catholic Church for 2000 years has always considered that Saint Peter was the first leader of the Church. The title 'Pope' may not have been in use at the time but Peter was no less a pope. There is ample evidence that he was in Rome. Peter ordained Clement a priest in Rome and later, about the year 70, Clement wrote his first letter to the Corinthians in which he mentions the martyrdom of both Peter and Paul in Rome. Tertulian, as well, writes of Peter in Rome and his martyrdom there. It actually makes no difference if Peter ever made it to Rome as he was still appointed by Christ as the first leader of the Church. Anyone then appointed or elected to take Peter's place would then be considered to be the head of the Church. Whether Peter took the headquarters of the Church to Rome or one of his successors is really not relevant.
Although the term 'Pope' was not in use at that time, the apostle Peter is believed to be the first Christian leader in Rome ('bishop' of Rome) and hence the first 'pope'.

Answer 3

This is a highly debatable question as some will state the Apostle Peter while others will say there is no significant proof indicating that Peter established the Church of God in Rome. These will point to the Apostle of the Gentiles, Paul as doing such.

Answer 4

Catholic teaching is that St. Peter became the first pope.