In 444 AD, the Emperor Valentinian III issued a decree called “Novel 17” in which he assigned to the Bishop of Rome supremacy over the provincial churches. Thus, he made Bishop Leo of Rome the first Pope.
In 444 AD, the Emperor Valentinian III issued a decree called “Novel 17” in which he assigned to the Bishop of Rome supremacy over the provincial churches. Thus, he made Bishop Leo of Rome the first Pope.