Why is the pope located at the Vatican and not in Jerusalem?

Answer 1

Peter is considered the first pope even though the term 'pope' did not come into common usage until much later. Whether Peter was in Jerusalem, Antioch, Rome or elsewhere, he is still considered the first pope. Later, as the Church grew and a hierarchy developed. the Church established its headquarters in Rome as Rome was considered the center of the world at the time. It had good roads reaching out to the vast empire as well as ships that plied the Mediterranean. Missionaries could reach anywhere in the known world from Rome. As the pope was the highest ranking Church authority in Rome, he was automatically consider the Bishop of Rome.

Answer 2

because the Vatican is in Rome

In the earliest years of the Church, Rome ruled nearly all the known world. Rome was the 'center of the universe' so to speak. What better place for the Church leaders to place the headquarters of the Church! "All roads lead to Rome" as the saying goes.

Answer 3

Because the Pope is the Bishop of Rome, not the Bishop of Jerusalem.