Jesus appointed Peter as the leader of his followers, and Peter is considered the first Pope.
The Catholic Church traces its origins to the earliest Christian communities, which were established in Jerusalem after the death and resurrection of Jesus. The apostles, who Jesus personally chose, played a key role in the establishment and spread of the Church. They preached the message of Jesus and established communities of believers, or churches, throughout the Roman Empire.
Over time, the Catholic Church developed a hierarchical structure, with bishops and priests administering the sacraments and governing local churches. The Pope, as the Bishop of Rome, came to be recognized as the head of the Church. The Catholic Church also developed a body of teachings, known as doctrine, and a system of laws, known as canon law, to govern the lives of Catholics.
The Catholic Church has undergone many changes throughout its history, but it has always maintained continuity with the Church founded by Jesus and his apostles. The Catholic Church has 2000 years of history, and many figures have contributed to the development of the Church, including theologians, philosophers, and saints.
