Catholics believe that Saint Peter was Rome's first bishop and that he consecrated Linus as the state's next bishop, thereby beginning an unbroken tradition that includes Pope Francis. The Catholic Church, in other words, maintains the apostolic succession of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope - Saint Peter's successor.
Saint Peter, also known as Simon Peter, Simeon, Simon, Cephas, or Peter the Apostle, was one of Jesus Christ's Twelve Apostles and one of the early Church's first leaders. According to Christian belief, Emperor Nero crucified Peter at Rome. He is considered the first bishop of Rome — or pope — as well as the first bishop of Antioch, according to tradition. The ancient Christian churches all revere Peter as a prominent saint and the founder of the Church of Antioch and the Church of Rome, although they differ in their views on his successors' authority.
Peter, together with James the Just and John the Apostle, were regarded as pillars of the Church. Peter acquired leadership of the group of early disciples, constituting the Jerusalem ekklsia referenced by Paul, after being legitimized by Jesus' appearance. James the Just, "the Brother of the Lord," quickly surpassed him in this position of leadership. According to Lüdemann, this was owing to debates over the strictness of observance of Jewish law, when James the Just's more conservative side had the upper hand over Peter's more liberal viewpoint, which subsequently faded away. According to Dunn, this was not a case of "power usurpation," but rather a result of Peter's missionary endeavors.
Paul confirms that Peter had the special charge of being apostle to the Jews, just as he, Paul, was prophet to the Gentiles. Some claim James the Just was priest of Jerusalem whilst Peter was bishop of Rome and that this position at times gave James privilege in some (but not all) circumstances.
As the heirs of Peter, the leadership of Peter is defined as "the rock" on which the church would be built, and it constitutes the basis of Apostolic succession and institutional power of orthodoxy. He is known as the Chief of the Apostles by Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox. He was originally referred to as "prominent" or "head" among the Apostles in Coptic Orthodox Church liturgy, a status he shared with Paul. Some, especially the Orthodox Churches, argue that statement does not imply that the other Apostles were acting on Peter's orders.
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