Why is Saint Peter important to Catholics?

Answer 1

Saint Peter was appointed as the first leader of the Catholic Church. Several decades later that post became known as the papacy and Peter considered as the first pope. Even though it took centuries for the hierarchy and papacy to become developed into the form we now know, there has always been a 'first among equals' to whom other Church leaders always deferred for leadership. Rome is only important because Peter died there after administering the leadership of the Church from there. Once the leadership became more evolved and the office of bishop established, Peter, by default, became known as the first bishop of Rome as he was the highest ranking member of the Church in that city. He was bishop simply because he was the pope. He was not pope because he was the bishop of Rome. For 70 years the papacy was moved to Avignon, France, but the Church continued. Only the location of the headquarters changed.

Answer 2

Saint Peter is important to Catholics because he was one of Jesus' closest disciples and the leader of the early Christian church. Catholics believe that Jesus appointed Peter as the first pope, giving him a special role in guiding and leading the Church. Peter's faith, courage, and humility serve as an example for Catholics to follow in their own spiritual journeys.

Answer 3

We may never know whether Peter really ever visited Rome, but it is the belief that he did so which justified the claims by the bishops of Rome to be Peter's successors and therefore have primacy throughout the Christian Church.

Here is more information about Saint Peter and more information about the early popes.

Answer 4

Peter was the leader (first pope) of the new Christian religion.