There is no such thing as a “cult” wanting credit for anything. Facts are facts. The Catholic Church has been around for 2,000 years. Same church, same doctrine. The only Christian churches are the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, which share the same sacraments, and can trace their lineage to the apostles. Protestant faiths are breakaway sects that left the Catholic Church 1500 years after Christ stated ONE CHURCH, which is the Catholic Church. Protestant faiths do not share the same sacraments and their claim to apostolic succession ended when they broke away from the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Church has been around for 2,000 years. Same church, same doctrine.
You claim Peter as “the first pope.”
Did Peter wear fancy robes, a big tall hat and live in gilded, jeweled luxury? Did the other apostles receive expensive rings as symbols of office?
The early Church and today’s Catholic empire are two entirely different animals!