Question: Who was the first pope?
Answer: The first pope of the Roman Catholic Church was Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles and a central figure in early Christianity. According to tradition and biblical references, Jesus appointed Peter as the foundational leader of the Church, famously saying, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).
Peter is believed to have preached in Rome, where he was ultimately martyred around 64–68 AD under Emperor Nero. His tomb lies beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, cementing his legacy as the Church’s first Bishop of Rome — a role that evolved into the papacy. Following Peter’s death, Pope Linus became his immediate successor and is recognized as the second pope.
See the full list of popes here.
