[OLD REGGIE]

What was the pope's role in all this? Who knows, exactly. I gather he jumped on the bandwagon started by men more able than he. Was he regarded as primate of the Church? Perhaps less than some of his predecessors, for the role of the pope depends on the strength and character of the men who hold the office, and he is a follower rarther than a leader.

There was no Pope. This office was invented and applied retroactively.

[eastsider]

There was no Pope. This office was invented and applied retroactively.

The Roman pope is the bishop of Rome, who has been around since -- ta, da -- Peter. And his singular authority as the center of unity of the episcopal college has been around since Christ gave Peter his singular authority. (Does the giving of "the keys" ring a bell? : )