After the Crucifixion and Ascension of Jesus, his followers journeyed far and wide, spreading the word of Christ. Perhaps the greatest of these followers was Saint Pater.
Always recognised as the foremost of the disciples, Peter became the leader of the Christian church after the Ascension. Peter travelled extensively and was prominent in preaching the Faith to non-Jews. He eventually settled in Rome where he began organising the first Christian community in the heart of the Roman Empire. In this Peter was very successful and there was soon a flourishing church in Rome. Unfortunately, the followers of the new religion were viewed with deep suspicion by the pagan Romans. In AD64 the Emperor Nero ordered a persecution of Christians, Peter was one of the first to die.
Before his death, Peter appointed St Linus as his successor as leader of the Church of Rome. From that day to this there has been a continuous line of Bishops of Rome. St Peter, therefore, is regarded as the first pope.
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