The Pope: Definition, History & Timeline

Introduction

• Instructor: Ron Petrarca, Cassie Beyer
• Focus on the history and authority of the Pope, its beginnings, developments, and controversies.
• Update as of: 11/21/2023

Early History of the Papacy

• Role: Head of the Catholic Church, residing in Vatican City, Rome.
• Catholic Church: Oldest and largest Christian denomination.
• Christianity:
  • Founded by Jesus of Nazareth in the 1st century A.D.
  • Spread from Judea, where St. Peter, considered the first pope, traveled to Rome.
  • Rome's significance as the seat of the Catholic Church.

Definition of the Pope

• Etymology: "Pope" is from Greek "pappas" meaning "father."
• Titles and Hierarchy:
  • Pope as the highest-ranking member of Catholic clergy.
  • Progression: Priest → Bishop → Archbishop → Cardinal → Pope.
  • Selection by the college of cardinals.

Middle Ages

• Political Role:
  • Post-Roman Empire, the pope became a central authority in Western Europe.
  • Germanic warlords sought the pope's approval for legitimacy.
  • Papacy’s influence on kings and emperors in Europe.

Notable Historical Points

• Longest-Serving Pope: Pope Pius IX (1846-1878).
• First Pope: St. Peter, executed around A.D. 65 by Emperor Nero.

FAQs

• Role of the Pope: Spiritual leader of Catholics worldwide.
• Origin of the Papacy: Christ appointed Peter to establish the Church in Rome.
• Significance of "Pope": Derived from "pappas," signifying the pope's role as a fatherly figure.

Additional Resources

• Further reading and exploration available in the course.
• Lessons on related topics such as Byzantine Church, Christianity in ancient and medieval history, Great Schism, Persecution of Christians.

Conclusion

• The office of the pope has evolved throughout history, holding both spiritual and political significance.
• Continues to influence both religious practices and political landscapes today.