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Handout #78 |
Church organization and links between churches |
| The
Bishop of Rome has inherited the promises made to Peter.
From all the world, Peter alone was chosen to be overseer at the call of all the peoples; he alone was put at the head of all the apostles and all the fathers of the church. So although in the people of God there might be numerous priests and numerous pastors, Peter would govern in his personal capacity all those who are also governed by Christ as head. In his goodwill, beloved, God accorded this man a great and wonderful part in the exercising of his power. St Peter was told, 'I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven . . . ' Indeed the right of exercising this power other apostles, and the institution was born of this decision has extended to all the principalities of the empire. However, there was a reason why one individual was entrusted with what must be signified to all. If, in fact this power was given to Peter in a personal way, it is that the rule of Peter is set before all the leaders of the church. The privilege of Peter always remains where a judgment is given by virtue of his equity ... To Peter, this good shepherd, we offer this anniversary of our entry into office to him we offer this festival, since it is by his protection that we have been worthy to be associated with his see. . .Leo the Great, Sermon IV (95). |
