Papacy

John 21:15-17

Feed my lambs... Feed my lambs... Feed my sheep.

Context of the passage

After his Resurrection, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus restores Peter three times, undoing his triple denial and commissioning him to shepherd the whole flock.

Catholic reading

Christ, the Good Shepherd, entrusts his entire flock—not merely a portion—to Peter's pastoral care, confirming the unique shepherding office promised at Caesarea Philippi.

Common objection

This may just restore Peter personally without granting any lasting office for successors.

Response

The Church's earliest witnesses (e.g., Clement of Rome writing to Corinth) show Rome's bishop exercising authority beyond his own see almost immediately, evidence the apostolic Church understood Peter's office as continuing.

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