Why do Catholics have a Pope?

Why do Catholics have a Pope?

One of the most recognised symbols of the Roman Catholic Church is the Pope – the spiritual leader often seen addressing crowds in St Peter’s Square, travelling the world, and speaking into global issues. We look at some common questions: Why does the Catholic Church have a Pope? What does he do, and why does he matter so much to Catholics?

For Catholics, the Pope serves as a spiritual father, a teacher of the faith, and a unifying figure for over a billion believers across the globe.

The role of the Pope

The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church. Catholics believe he is the successor of Saint Peter, who was one of Jesus' twelve apostles and, according to Catholic tradition, the first bishop of Rome. For Catholics, the Pope serves as a spiritual father, a teacher of the faith, and a unifying figure for over a billion believers across the globe.

More than a symbolic figurehead, the Pope plays a key role in guiding the Church’s doctrine, addressing moral and social issues, and representing the Church to the world. He also appoints bishops, canonises saints, and calls together global gatherings such as synods and councils to help shape the life of the Church.

Catholics look to the Pope for spiritual leadership. While not considered sinless or above human error, he is, under specific conditions, believed to be infallible when formally defining doctrines concerning faith and morals – a teaching clarified in the 19th century. This doesn’t mean that Catholics believe everything the Pope says is infallible, but rather that God protects the Church from error in essential teachings through the Pope’s guidance in specific circumstances.

A Biblical and historical foundation

The idea of a pope goes back to the early centuries of the Church and is rooted in the words of Jesus to Peter in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus says, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Catholics interpret this as Jesus appointing Peter as the leader of his followers. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Peter became a central figure in the early Christian community, preaching boldly and helping to shape the direction of the Church.

Jesus says, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).

According to early tradition, Peter eventually travelled to Rome, where he was martyred under Emperor Nero around AD 64. The early Christian community in Rome saw Peter’s leadership as foundational, and those who followed him in leading the Church in Rome began to be seen as holding a special place of authority.

As Christianity grew, especially after the Roman Empire became officially Christian in the 4th century, the bishop of Rome became a natural point of unity. While other major Christian centres had influential leaders – such as the patriarchs of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem – Rome held a special place because of Peter and Paul’s ministry and martyrdom there.

A brief history of the Papacy

The line of popes, as understood by the Catholic Church, begins with Saint Peter and continues unbroken to today. The title “Pope” (from the Latin papa, meaning “father”) was used informally from early on, but gradually became the official title for the Bishop of Rome.

In the early centuries, popes were deeply involved in theological debates and helped shape core Christian beliefs through Church councils. Pope Leo I, for example, played a major role in defining the nature of Christ at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. Pope Gregory the Great (590–604) strengthened the Church’s missionary efforts and helped structure Church governance in the West.

Continued below...

During the Middle Ages, popes became powerful political as well as spiritual figures. Some led armies or clashed with kings; others called for crusades or struggled with corruption. Yet many also promoted learning, reformed the Church, and supported the poor.

Pope Francis, who passed away on 21 April 2025, was known for his emphasis on humility, care for the poor, and concern for the environment.

The papacy has had its challenges. In the 14th century, popes temporarily moved from Rome to Avignon in France, creating tensions. At one point in the early 15th century, there were even three rival claimants to the papacy – a situation that was eventually resolved by the Council of Constance.

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century brought further division, as many Christians rejected papal authority and formed new denominations. Yet the Catholic Church continued to see the Pope as essential to its identity, even as it acknowledged the need for reform.

In modern times, popes have played significant roles beyond the Church. Pope John Paul II helped inspire the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. Pope Benedict XVI focused on the relationship between faith and reason. Pope Francis, who passed away on 21 April 2025, was known for his emphasis on humility, care for the poor, and concern for the environment. His funeral was held on 26 April 2025, and he was buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, honouring his personal wishes.

The current Pope, Leo XIV, was elected on 8 May 2025.

What the Pope means to Catholics

For Catholics, the Pope is not just an administrator or global spokesperson – he is a shepherd who helps guide the Church in faithfulness to Jesus. Catholics do not worship the Pope, nor do they believe he replaces Christ, but they see him as a servant leader who carries on the mission that Jesus entrusted to Peter.

For Catholics, the Pope is not just an administrator or global spokesperson – he is a shepherd who helps guide the Church in faithfulness to Jesus.

He is also a visible sign of unity. In a world with countless denominations and divisions, the papacy offers a sense of continuity – a historical link back to the earliest Christian community. His teachings carry weight not because of his personality or popularity, but because of the office he holds within the Church.

Many Catholics feel a deep personal connection to the Pope, praying for him regularly, following his words closely, and often being moved by his pastoral example. His public actions – from embracing refugees to washing prisoners’ feet – are seen as reflections of Christ’s love.

A global voice

Today, the position of Pope stands at a unique crossroads of faith and global dialogue. Whether addressing economic injustice, interfaith relations, or the moral challenges of technology, he speaks into issues that affect believers and non-believers alike.

For Catholics, having a pope is not about control or hierarchy – it’s about service, stewardship, and staying connected to the roots of their faith. The Pope is seen not as a distant authority, but as a spiritual father whose role is to keep the Church grounded in the Gospel and open to the world.