Who was the first Pope?

The first Pope was St. Peter the Apostle, appointed by Jesus Christ Himself. The scriptural basis for Peter's primacy is found in Matthew 16:18-19, where Jesus says: 'You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.' Jesus also specifically commissioned Peter to lead the Church after the Resurrection: 'Feed my lambs... tend my sheep... feed my sheep' (John 21:15-17). Peter served as the leader of the apostles, presided at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15), and according to ancient tradition traveled to Rome, where he led the Christian community and was martyred under Emperor Nero around 64-67 AD by crucifixion — tradition holds he requested to be crucified upside down, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ. His tomb is located beneath the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, confirmed by archaeological excavations in the 20th century. The Bishop of Rome inherits Peter's role as head of the universal Church through apostolic succession.