Who is the successor of Saint Peter who lives in Rome?

Answer 1

A:

According to Catholic tradition, Saint Peter travelled to Rome, to become the first bishop there. The pope is the bishop of Rome and, based on the tradition of Peter's position in Rome, Pope Francis is his successor.

Answer 2

Although the list of early popes is somewhat muddled and uncertain, Saint Linus is generally considered as the first successor of Saint Peter and second pope. He is thought to have been Peter's choice as his successor.

Answer 3

Paul, in his epistles, tells us that Peter was a pillar of the Jerusalem Church, but that James was evidently the real leader. If this is a true picture of Peter's role, as an assistant or deputy to James, then he need not have had a formal successor.

Pope Anicetus (156-166) announced that Peter was beheaded by Nero* in Rome and that he spoke with the authority of Peter. Since then, Catholic tradition has held that Peter was the first pope of Rome. However, there is no evidence, either in The Bible or any other early Christian writing, that Peter ever went to Rome. Scholars also say that there is no evidence that the Church ever had bishops before the second century, a view which precludes Peter from having held that position. However, if Peter ever really was bishop of Rome, tradition says that his successor was Linus or Clement.

Footnote
* The third century Church Father, Origen changed the story somewhat, saying that Peter was condemned to crucifixion, but felt himself unworthy to be crucified the same way as his Lord and so chose crucifixion upside down.