The first pope of the Catholic Church is traditionally recognized as Saint Peter. According to Catholic tradition, Jesus appointed Peter (originally named Simon) as the leader of his disciples, symbolized by giving him the name "Cephas" or "Petros," meaning "rock." Peter is considered the first bishop of Rome and thus the first pope, leading the early Christian community and spreading Christianity in Rome around the mid-1st century AD
. Peter's role as the first pope is foundational in Catholic doctrine, which holds that he was given the "keys of the Kingdom of Heaven" by Jesus (Matthew 16:18–19), establishing the papal office. He is also revered as a saint in both Western and Eastern Christianity. While historical verification of exact dates and details is limited, the Catholic Church officially recognizes Peter as the first pope, serving approximately 34 years until his martyrdom
. In summary, Saint Peter is regarded as the first pope, the original leader of the Church in Rome, and the foundational figure of the papacy.
