What can be learned from Saint Peter the first pope?

Answer 1

A:

If indeed St Peter ever went to Rome as the first bishop of Rome and therefore pope, we know little or nothing about what happened during his pontificate. Tradition does say that Peter was executed in Rome by Emperor Nero, having first appointed his successor Linus. The author of the epistle known as 1 Clement had only this to say about Peter: "There was Peter who by reason of unrighteous jealousy endured not one not one but many labours, and thus having borne his testimony went to his appointed place of glory." It appears that this Roman presbyter, writing just a few decades after the lifetime of Peter, was unaware that Peter ever went to Rome and became the first pope. Even the tradition that Peter appointed Linus as the next bishop of Rome has been challenged. Francis A. Sullivan SJ (From Apostles to Bishops) says that there is a general agreement among scholars that the church of Rome was led by a council of presbyters until well into the second century, with no evidence of a ruling bishop.

There may be much to learn from Saint Peter during his discipleship with Jesus, but nothing is known about his supposed life as pope.