The title Pope means father. It is also used by the Bishop of Alexandria.
I will leave the caveat that although I accept the Roman primacy, my views on how it should be excercized are far from Ultramontane.
Other Scriptural Evidence for Petrine Primacy
Although many non-Catholics delight in trying to discredit Matthew 16:18 with all that it says about Saint Peter’s position as the head of the apostles, as a Catholic apologist there are two very important facts to remember about this tactic. Firstly, it doesn’t actually work – the Catholic interpretation of Matthew 16:18 can’t be discredited in this way. Secondly, and most importantly, Matthew 16:18 is not the only verse in Scripture which supports the doctrine of Petrine Primacy.
It is very important to realize that none of these verses explicitly say “The doctrine of Petrine Primacy is true” or that “Peter was the first pope and the Catholics are right”. However, when taken as whole, all of these verses clearly show that Peter enjoyed a special place among the Apostles, and that it was him Jesus looked to to lead and and strengthen them.
Peter speaks for all of the Apostles
In several places in the Scriptures, Peter speaks for all of the Apostles – the others are not consulted, or they simply assumed to agree with Peter. This shows that Peter was the leader of the group.
Matthew 19:27, Mark 8:29, Luke 8:45, 12:41, John 6:69
“Peter and his companions”
When describing the Apostles, the Gospels writers often chose not to list them individually by name or even write something like “the followers of Jesus” but rather wrote “Peter and his companions”. Clearly, one does not describe a group of followers of another man as “Peter and his companions” unless Peter is the leader.
Luke 9:32, Mark 16:7, Acts 3:37
Peter heads every list
When the Gospel writers do give a list of the Apostles by name, Peter’s name heads every single list. This is far more than just a co-incidence, especially when taken with all the other evidence.
Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:14-16, Acts 1:13
Peter leads the meeting to replace Judas
When the Apostles decide to replace Judas in Acts 1:13-26 it is Peter who is clearly “in charge” and leading or chairing the meeting.
Peter’s name outnumbers any other Apostle’s
The names of all the Apostles appear in Scripture – what many people do not realize is that Peter’s name appears 195 times in Scripture, which is more than all the rest put together. If Peter is no more important than them, why is his name mentioned so many times more?
The Keys of the Kingdom
In Matthew 16:19 (immediately after the “On this rock” verse) Jesus gives Peter the keys of the kingdom and the power to bind and loose. This is an example of typology – the type being referenced here is the prime minister of the old Judaic Kingdom (referenced in Isaiah 19:20-22.) The keys to the kingdom were a symbolic representation of the authority to make pronouncements and judgments in the King’s name (the authority to “bind and loose”). The fact the same phrase is used in both passages of Scripture makes the comparison clear. Peter is being appointed as the prime minister of the new Kingdom – an office which has the authority to speak for the King (Jesus). It is necessary to understand that the Petrine office of the prime minister of the kingdom does not give him authority to “dictate” to Heaven – the authority itself remains with God, but it is exercised on earth through the office of the pope. And while the pope in theory has the authority to do anything, he is protected from error by the infallibility of his office.
Jesus prays for Peter so that he may strengthen others
In Luke 22:32 Jesus says that He has prayed for Peter so that Peter may be able to support the other Apostles – He does not pray for them as separate individuals. This clearly shows that Peter is viewed by Jesus as the head of the Apostles, and as representing the entire Church.
Peter is appointed shepherd of Christ’s flock
In John 21:17 Jesus tells Peter to feed his sheep – appointing him shepherd of His flock. This is a command given specifically to Peter, and not the rest of the Apostles. We are all required to carry out spiritual and corporal works of mercy, but the Jesus’ words make it very clear that Peter had a specific and special responsibility.
The angel specifically mentions Peter
When Mary Magdalena goes to the tomb on Easter Sunday morning, she sees an angel who tells her to go and tell Jesus’ followers that He is risen. In Mark 16:7 the angel makes a very special point of telling Mary to inform Peter; his name is the only name mentioned.
Jesus appears to Peter
In Luke 24:34 the Apostles say that Jesus has appeared to Simon [Peter] – they do not mention any other appearances, nor that they have seen Him themselves. Either the appearance to Peter was the only one which they were aware of, or they recognized that it was the only one worth mentioning. In either case, the importance of Peter is clear.
Peter leads the early Church
In the book of Acts there are many instances of Peter taking the initiative and being the first person to undertake a number of tasks or responsibilities. While individuals might take the initiative here and there, only the recognized and authentic leader of the Church would undertake all of these “firsts”;
Acts 2:14 – Peter leads the Apostles in preaching on Pentecost
Acts 2:41 – Peter received the first converts
Acts 3:6-7 – Peter performed the first miracle at Pentecost
Acts 5:1-11 – Peter inflicted the first punishment (Ananias & Saphira)
Acts 8:21 – Peter excommunicated the first heretic, Simon Magnus
Acts 15:7 – Peter led the first council in Jerusalem
Acts 15:9 – Peter pronounces the first dogmatic decision
Peter is given divine revelation
Peter is given divine revelation – and not just any revelation, but the revelation that Gentiles are to be allowed into the Church – in Acts 10:44-46. This is such a significant and important aspect of Christianity – its universal scope – that it underscores Peter’s authority.
Saint Paul visits Peter
In Galatians 1:18 Saint Paul writes that he visited Cephas [Peter] when he was in Jerusalem – why would he do this if Peter did not have some sort of authority? He specifically says that he saw no other Apostles, except James the brother of the Lord (who was the Bishop of Jerusalem – so it would be logical for him, as a matter of courtesy, to visit him). But why does Paul meet specifically with Peter and no-one else? The logical answer is that Peter has an authority which the other Apostles do not.
The various scriptural evidences do not exist on their own or in isolation; no single verse is a firm proof of Petrine Primacy. However, when taken as a whole, together with the non-Scriptural support, they form a very compelling case against which it is difficult to logically argue.
That would be compelling, except for one thing. Paul was saved in Acts 9, and the gospel of the uncircumcision (gentiles) was given to him by divine revelation. The divine revelation to Peter was confirming what Christ had already given to Paul. Acts 9 is the significant and important aspect of Christianity, in its universal scope. Which, if you would read Gal. Chapters 1 and 2, you would clearly see.
Jesus clearly and plainly teaches that nobody is to call religious leaders or authority *father*.
Matthew 23:1-12 1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3so practice and observe whatever they tell you— but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.
5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.
8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.