And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
As a priest for over 45 years as well as a student of history, the role of the Papacy and the ministry of the Bishop of Rome have utterly fascinated me over these many years. For Catholics, the ministry of the Pope continues to be a foundational aspect of our understanding of the Christian faith that was gifted to us by the Savior.
The passage that begins my reflections today is taken from the 16th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew and has anchored, in many respects, the unique role of Peter and his successors within the life of the Christian community. Up until the time of the Reformation in the 16th century, the unity of Christendom was anchored in the one whom Catholics view as the ‘successor of St. Peter’ and the ‘pastor of the Universal Church.’
As a student of history though, it is clear that sinlessness has never been a major prerequisite for the office of Pope! Sadly, and tragically, the human and broken face of humanity has been reflected in all too many of Peter’s successors. One only needs to watch the series, The Borgias on Showtime to get a dramatic glimpse of this sad reality. Yet, history also has witnessed to the heroic virtue and holiness of countless numbers of the 265 successors of St. Peter down through the centuries. The good Lord has indeed raised up individuals of outstanding character, integrity and personal holiness to be servant leaders of the people of God in every age.
The ministry of the Pope remains one of the defining characteristics of the Christian Church that we call “Catholic.” As the ‘servant of the servants of God,’ the ministry of the Bishop of Rome is to ‘confirm the faith of the community of believers.’ He presides in charity over all the local churches and remains the guarantor of doctrinal integrity through the special gift or charism given to him in the Holy Spirit by virtue of his office of service.
As one who presides over the College of Bishops, who themselves are successors of the apostles in their own right, the central dynamic of the Christian Church, to evangelize and share the good news of Christ is realized in every age and place that the Church exists. Through the great Councils of the Church, called by him; the Synods of Bishops initiated by him, through Encyclical letters written by him, by his daily preaching and most importantly, by the very witness of his life to the Gospel, Evangelization is realized in word and deed.
At every Eucharist, we pray for our Pope by name, together with the Bishop of our local Diocese. As we do so, let us pray that holiness, wisdom, courage and integrity be hallmarks of their ministry of service as they lead us to a deeper love of the Lord and a greater unity among all God’s holy people.