In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda discusses the concept of leadership in the Church, focusing on the Catholic claim that St. Peter the Apostle was the universal head of the Church and that the Pope of Rome inherits this authority. His Holiness presents theological and historical evidence showing that this idea is unbiblical and unpatristic, affirming that in apostolic times, leadership was shared among all the apostles, each bishop having authority within his local area without supremacy over others.

1. Catholic Arguments and the Orthodox Response

Pope Shenouda lists the Catholic proofs—such as “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church,” the keys of heaven, “Feed My sheep,” and his being mentioned first.
He explains that these show honor, not supremacy, for the same authority given to Peter was also given to all the apostles (John 20, Matthew 18).

2. The True Rock

The “rock” is not Peter himself but his faith in Christ as the Son of God.
Scripture repeatedly shows that Christ is the cornerstone and foundation (1 Corinthians 10, Ephesians 2), and Peter never claimed primacy in his letters.

3. Christ Rejected the Idea of Supremacy

When the mother of James and John asked for her sons to sit at His right and left, Jesus replied, “Whoever wants to be first must be your servant.” Thus, greatness in Christianity is found in service, not authority.

4. The Apostolic Council Led the Church

Decisions were made by the Council of the Apostles, not Peter alone, as seen in Acts 15 where they said, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.”

5. Peter Did Not Found the Church of Rome

Pope Shenouda shows that Paul the Apostle founded the Roman Church, being the Apostle to the Gentiles.
There is no biblical verse stating Peter ever went to Rome, while Paul’s letters and preaching from there prove he was the founder.

6. The Myth of Inherited Leadership

If Peter had been the head, who succeeded him? Surely not the bishop of Rome over St. John, who lived thirty years longer and was one of the main apostles. Thus, no universal succession or papal primacy exists.

7. Historical Examples

Saints like Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria led the Christian world theologically without claiming to rule it.
True greatness lies in faith and teaching, not dominion.

Spiritual Conclusion

The Church is built upon faith in Christ, not on a man. The true headship is that of service and love, and Christ alone remains the eternal Head of His Church.

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