The papacy, an institution central to the Catholic Church, finds its origin and purpose in the commission given by Jesus Christ to St. Peter, establishing a perpetual office for the unity and guidance of the Church 1.

Origin of the Papacy

The origin of the papacy is rooted in the New Testament, specifically in the words of Jesus to Simon Peter.

• Christ's Commission to Peter: Jesus designated Simon as "Peter" (meaning "rock") and declared, "You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church" (Matthew 16:18) 2. This statement signifies that the Church's continuance and growth would rest upon the office created in Peter's person 3. Christ also gave Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven," symbolizing plenary authority 2, 3.
• Shepherd of the Whole Flock: After His Resurrection, Jesus further commissioned Peter with the solemn charge, "Feed my sheep" (John 21), establishing him as the common shepherd of the entire flock 3. This act constituted Peter as the leader of the apostles and the "rock" upon which the Church would be built 4.
• First Pope and Successor: St. Peter is recognized as the first Pope, and his role as the chief shepherd and spiritual authority laid the foundation for the papacy 4. The Catholic Church teaches that the Bishop of Rome is the successor of Peter in his primatial service to the universal Church 1. This succession explains the preeminence of the Church of Rome, which was also enriched by the preaching and martyrdom of St. Paul 1.

Purpose of the Papacy

The purpose of the papacy is multifaceted, primarily centered on ensuring the unity, stability, and faithful guidance of the Church.

• Visible Foundation and Unity: The Lord made St. Peter the visible foundation of His Church 5, 6. The Pope, as the Bishop of Rome and Peter's successor, is the "perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful" 7, 8. This office serves as the principle and center of unity in faith, government, and communion for the entire Church 9.
• Vicar of Christ and Pastor of the Universal Church: The Pope is the Vicar of Christ and Pastor of the universal Church on earth 5, 10. He holds full, supreme, immediate, and universal power over the whole Church, which he can always exercise unhindered 7, 11. This authority is for the common good of the universal Church and the good of individual churches 11.
• Preservation of Faith and Communion: The Petrine charism serves the purpose of "the unity of faith and communion" of all believers 1. The Pope, as Peter's successor, has a specific ministerial grace to serve this unity, which is essential for the Church to fulfill its saving mission 1. The Catechism of the Council of Trent emphasizes that a visible head is necessary to establish and preserve unity in the Church, ensuring that all occasion of schism may be removed 12.
• Continuity of Apostolic Authority: The pastoral office of Peter and the other apostles belongs to the Church's very foundation and is continued by the bishops under the primacy of the Pope 6. This ensures the continuity of apostolic authority and spiritual leadership 4.
• Teacher of All Christians: The Roman Pontiff is also considered the visible Father and Teacher of all Christians 13. He is the head of the college of bishops and of the entire People of God, fulfilling his universal office of teaching and ruling for the welfare and spiritual development of the People of God 14.

In summary, the papacy originates from Christ's direct institution of St. Peter as the head of His Church, and its enduring purpose is to serve as the visible principle of unity, the supreme pastor, and the guarantor of faith and communion for the entire Catholic Church throughout history 1, 15.