How did an ordinary fisherman become the first Pope? And why did Jesus choose a man who would deny Him three times to lead His Church?

In this episode of The PopeCast, Katherine Bennett and Mark Lambert explore the extraordinary life of St Peter, the apostle entrusted by Jesus Christ with the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.

From his humble beginnings as a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee to his martyrdom in Rome, Peter's story is one of faith, failure, forgiveness and extraordinary responsibility.

But was Peter really the first Pope? Did Jesus establish the papacy Himself, or was it something the early Christians developed centuries later?

Drawing on Scripture, the Acts of the Apostles and the writings of the early Church Fathers, Katherine and Mark examine the biblical and historical foundations of the papacy, including Christ's commission to Peter, the meaning of papal infallibility and the origins of apostolic succession.

Along the way, they explore Peter's remarkable encounters with Christ, his threefold denial, his restoration beside the Sea of Galilee, his leadership of the early Church and his eventual martyrdom under the Emperor Nero.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Who was Simon Peter before he met Jesus?
• Why did Jesus rename Simon as Peter, meaning 'rock'?
• Did Jesus Christ establish the papacy?
• Why did Peter deny Jesus three times?
• How did Christ forgive Peter and restore his mission?
• What does papal infallibility actually mean?
• How did Peter lead the Church after Pentecost?
• Why did St Paul publicly challenge Peter?
• What evidence connects St Peter to Rome?
• Was Peter really crucified upside down?
• How did Peter's authority pass to his successors?

Peter's life reveals something fundamental about the Catholic Church: its foundation rests not on the perfection of its leaders, but on the promises of Jesus Christ.

From a fishing boat in Galilee to the heart of the Roman Empire, discover the remarkable story of the man who became the first Pope.

ABOUT THE POPECAST

Join Katherine Bennett and Mark Lambert on an extraordinary journey through 2,000 years of Church history, exploring the lives of the popes from St Peter to Pope Leo XIV.

Discover the personalities, controversies, triumphs and tragedies that shaped the papacy and the Catholic Church.

WATCH NEXT

Missed Episode 0? Start with our introduction to the biblical origins of the papacy, the Old Testament promises and why Jesus gave Peter the keys to the Kingdom.

Next episode: St Linus – The Second Pope

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Why do you think Jesus chose Peter, despite knowing his weaknesses? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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