Which apostle is considered the first pope?

Saint Peter is traditionally considered the first pope. Also called Simon Peter, he was one of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles and became one of the earliest leaders of the Christian movement.

The New Testament presents Peter as a prominent disciple who preached in Jerusalem and played a leading role in the early church. Catholic tradition understands Jesus’ words about the “keys of the kingdom” and the “rock” on which the church would be built as establishing Peter’s special authority. Later tradition holds that Peter traveled to Rome, served as its first bishop, and was martyred there during the reign of Emperor Nero.

Calling Peter the “first pope” is a traditional description rather than a title used in the first century. The later papacy developed gradually, and early Christian leaders were more commonly described as bishops or overseers. Peter was not the first person to use the modern papal office, but he is regarded by Catholic tradition as its foundational predecessor. Eastern Christian traditions also honor Peter as an important early bishop, though they do not accept all later claims about papal supremacy.