Why Do We Need a Pope? | PopeCast EP0 – REGINA Unscripted
Before there was a Vatican, before conclaves, basilicas or Swiss Guards, there was a fisherman from Galilee called Simon. But why did Jesus choose this ordinary man to become Peter, the rock upon which He would build His Church?
Welcome to POPECAST, a new series with Katherine Bennett and Mark Lambert exploring the extraordinary history of the papacy, from St Peter to Pope Leo XIV.
In this introductory episode, we journey back through the Old Testament to discover the biblical foundations of the papacy. From Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to the twelve tribes of Israel, we explore God’s covenant with His people, the division of Israel, and the prophecies that foretold its reunification under one King: Jesus Christ.
Along the way, we uncover the significance of Jacob’s new name, the promises of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, and the remarkable parallels between the keys of David’s kingdom and those entrusted to Peter.
Why does the Church need one visible point of unity? And what did Christ mean when He said, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church”?
Join us as we lay the foundations for a journey through 2,000 years of popes, personalities, controversies and Church history.
Scripture explored: Genesis 25–32, Isaiah 22, Jeremiah 31, Ezekiel 36–37, Matthew 16, Romans 1 and Acts 26.
The Fisherman Who Became Pope | PopeCast EP1 – REGINA Unscripted
How did an ordinary fisherman become the first Pope? And why did Jesus choose a man who would deny Him three times to lead His Church?
In this episode of The PopeCast, Katherine Bennett and Mark Lambert explore the extraordinary life of St Peter, the apostle entrusted by Jesus Christ with the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.
From his humble beginnings as a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee to his martyrdom in Rome, Peter’s story is one of faith, failure, forgiveness and extraordinary responsibility.
But was Peter really the first Pope? Did Jesus establish the papacy Himself, or was it something the early Christians developed centuries later?
Drawing on Scripture, the Acts of the Apostles and the writings of the early Church Fathers, Katherine and Mark examine the biblical and historical foundations of the papacy, including Christ’s commission to Peter, the meaning of papal infallibility and the origins of apostolic succession.
Along the way, they explore Peter’s remarkable encounters with Christ, his threefold denial, his restoration beside the Sea of Galilee, his leadership of the early Church and his eventual martyrdom under the Emperor Nero.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Who was Simon Peter before he met Jesus?
Why did Jesus rename Simon as Peter, meaning ‘rock’?
Did Jesus Christ establish the papacy?
Why did Peter deny Jesus three times?
How did Christ forgive Peter and restore his mission?
What does papal infallibility actually mean?
How did Peter lead the Church after Pentecost?
Why did St Paul publicly challenge Peter?
What evidence connects St Peter to Rome?
Was Peter really crucified upside down?
How did Peter’s authority pass to his successors?
Peter’s life reveals something fundamental about the Catholic Church: its foundation rests not on the perfection of its leaders, but on the promises of Jesus Christ.
From a fishing boat in Galilee to the heart of the Roman Empire, discover the remarkable story of the man who became the first Pope.
ABOUT THE POPECAST
Join Katherine Bennett and Mark Lambert on an extraordinary journey through 2,000 years of Church history, exploring the lives of the popes from St Peter to Pope Leo XIV.
Discover the personalities, controversies, triumphs and tragedies that shaped the papacy and the Catholic Church.
