and according to tradition and The Word
The only "Word" that points out the RCC as "THE Church" is the word of men far after the New Testament was penned.
The "ordination" of Peter? I have heard that so many times in conjunction with that one somewhat out of context scripture. It is selective interpretation to say that Jesus was putting His finger on Peter and saying that He would build His Church on a man.
What comes just before Christ's words is what some call the "great profession" - When Jesus specifically asked his Disciples who the world thought he was, he got a variety of answers. But when asked "who do you think I am" - Peter's response is a great profession of faith: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
And Jesus response - yes, HE was talking to Peter (petros), and on this rock (petras) - this faith.
Ephesians 2:20 tells us that the Apostles labored to build the foundations of the Church. Yet according to RCC tradition, Peter was the foundation.
The Bible is clear that the foundation, the Chief Cornerstone, is Christ Himself. The keys later mentioned so often attributed to Peter and the Popes that followed are handed to the church body as a whole to exercise.
"The Church" is built upon faith - faith in Jesus Christ.
So Matthew 16:18 (from The Word) is open for interpretation — that is fine, but it doesn’t make your particular interpretation any more or less “accurate” than anyone else’s.
But it is interesting.
Well and beautifully stated.