[mockingbyrd]

I don't believe it, I know it.

The word "pope" is defined as "the head of the Roman Catholic Church." Peter was the first temporal leader of Catholics. There is an unbroken succsession of popes following him.

Trying to redefine "pope" in a manner to exclude St. Peter is similar to the attempts to redefine "marriage".

Now, if some Christians want to claim that there was nothing special about Peter, compared to other Apostles, then go for it. But you can't try to redefine terms in order to do it. Peter was the first temporal leader of Catholics, the temporal leader of Catholics is called the pope, therfore Peter was the first pope.

[DouglasKC]

The word "pope" is defined as "the head of the Roman Catholic Church." Peter was the first temporal leader of Catholics. There is an unbroken succsession of popes following him.

There is a lot of debate about that outside of Rome.

Now, if some Christians want to claim that there was nothing special about Peter, compared to other Apostles, then go for it.

I believe all the apostles were special.

Peter was the first temporal leader of Catholics, the temporal leader of Catholics is called the pope, therfore Peter was the first pope.

Some do say that. Based strictly on biblical accounts though I would have to disagree.

In case you missed it, the whole issue is being researched over here

[kerryusama04]

1Pe 5:1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 1Pe 5:2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 1Pe 5:3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.