Papacy
The papacy refers to the office and authority of the Pope, who serves as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. This institution evolved over time. The Roman Catholic Church claims apostolic succession in person, tracing the papacy to the apostle Peter. The Reformation recovered the position of the early church, namely that regula fide or the “rule of faith” for the church, is found not in a person but in sacred Scripture.
The substance of the papacy traces its development to Gregory I (c. 540 – 604 AD), also known as Gregory the Great. It is during this time that history presents the Bishop of Rome asserting primacy over other church leaders. This claim to authority was based on theological interpretations, including the concept of Petrine succession, and Rome's historical importance.
The papacy's power and influence have been subjects of controversy throughout history, including during the separation between Western and Eastern Christianity and notably the Protestant Reformation. In modern times, key developments in papal authority include the doctrine of papal infallibility, declared in 1870, and efforts to balance papal power with broader church leadership, as addressed in the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).
