The founder of the Catholic Church is Jesus Christ. The Church teaches that it was established by Jesus himself during his earthly ministry, particularly through his Great Commission to his apostles.
The Foundation by Jesus Christ
The Catholic Church understands its origins to be directly linked to the actions and teachings of Jesus Christ. Rather than being founded by a single human individual after Christ's death, the Church asserts that Jesus laid its groundwork through:
- His Teachings: Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God and gathered disciples, instructing them in his divine message.
- His Apostles: He selected twelve apostles, granting them special authority and empowering them to continue his mission after his ascension. This group, led by Peter, formed the embryonic structure of the Church.
- The Great Commission: Before ascending into heaven, Jesus commanded his apostles to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This act is seen as the definitive mandate for the Church's global mission.
Apostolic Succession and the Role of Peter
A core belief within Catholicism is the concept of apostolic succession, which holds that the bishops are the legitimate successors to the original apostles. This lineage ensures the continuity of the Church's teachings and authority from the time of Christ to the present day.
- Bishops as Successors: Each bishop, through an unbroken line of ordination, is seen as inheriting the spiritual authority and mission conferred upon the apostles by Jesus.
- The Primacy of Saint Peter: Among the apostles, Saint Peter holds a unique and preeminent position. Jesus conferred upon Peter a special primacy, stating, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). This pivotal moment established Peter's leadership role among the apostles.
The Papacy
The Pope, as the Bishop of Rome, is considered the direct successor to Saint Peter. This succession from Peter is the foundation of the Pope's authority as the visible head of the entire Catholic Church, responsible for maintaining its unity and guiding its faithful.
| Key Figure | Role in Church Foundation | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Jesus Christ | Founder | Established the Church, its mission, and its fundamental structure. |
| The Apostles | First leaders and evangelizers | Commissioned by Christ to spread the Gospel and baptize all nations. |
| Saint Peter | First among the Apostles, First Pope | Conferred primacy by Christ, seen as the "rock" upon which the Church is built. |
Through these foundational elements, the Catholic Church traces its origins directly back to Jesus Christ, viewing itself as the continuation of his divine plan for humanity.
[[Christianity History]]
