The papacy is the world’s oldest continuously functioning institution. It is based on the “Petrine Idea,” the legitimation of papal leadership in both church and world based on the text of Matthew 16:16–18.: “Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. “
Observer, Philosopher, Author
