Papacy began in April, 30 A. D. upon the
declaration by Jesus Christ that Simon Bar-Jona would be called Peter
(rock) upon which the Catholic Church was to be built.
Saint Peter was a fisherman from
Gallilee and was Jesus' favorite among the apostles. Saint Peter's brother
was the Apostle Andrew and both are Patron Saints of Fishermen.
Saint Peter was the
longest-serving pope at 37 years.
Saint Peter was crucified upside
down, and his Feast Day is June 29.
Pope Gregory VII (No. 157) assigned the
title of Pope to all of his predecessors back to Saint Peter in
addition to their historical titles of "Bishop of Rome."
Traditionally, the first 54 popes have
been considered saints although the Church's new Universal Calendar
has disallowed some for lack of evidence.
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