SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

The Papacy

Just a month ago the world was gripped by the Funeral of one of the greatest popes of all time, Francis, and the rapid procedure of electing his successor, Pope Leo XIV. It all took place on the spot where St Peter was crucified and buried. At the end of this month, we celebrate St Peter along with St Paul, the other great apostle who was beheaded about the same time and is buried nearby.

It is as the successor of St Peter and the teacher of St Paul that the Bishops of Rome base their claim to primacy among all other bishops. Catholics, the majority of Christians, totally believe that, and many of the rest somehow acknowledge it. We know and feel the special charism that the papacy is to the Church – and the world somehow also feels and acknowledges it. Now the latest Pope has been given to us.



His Coat of Arms

Each new pope chooses his coat of arms, which is used officially throughout his reign. Here is a link to the Vatican News article   which explains its symbolism.