Peter is the only disciple to whom Jesus gives a visible sign of authority. The keys of the kingdom represent his pre-eminence among them. Jesus entrusts to Peter a “unique mission”, viz. to keep the faith that he has just professed from “every lapse and to strengthen his brothers in it.” [CCC 552] The power of the keys is the power of Peter's authority to “govern the Church, to absolve sins, to pronounce doctrinal judgements, and to make disciplinary decisions in the Church.” No small things!
So, who is this man Peter and why is he chosen to be chef de mission? First of all, he is a Galilean fisherman, son of Jonah, brother of Andrew. He is physically strong - capable of fishing all night. He is emotionally bold and impetuous - leaping out of boats and attempting to walk on water. We also know that Peter can shoot his mouth off. He swears to Jesus that he will “lay down his life” for Him then goes on to deny Him three times! Yet, so powerfully is Peter open to the Spirit that he is the one to whom the Father chooses to reveal that Jesus is “the Christ, Son of the living God.”
Here, in Simon Peter, we have a man who is a model of faith and courage. Equally he is a man of frailty, open to temptation. Peter represents the “double nature” of the Church, of all of us. He is chosen as the leader because Jesus sees in him qualities that can rise above the ordinary, that will inspire others to follow. He will, in the end, stand firm, he will be like the peg in the First Reading and be fixed in a firm place to give strength and stability. For these reasons Jesus changes his name from Simon to Peter, or petrus, meaning rock. On him, the first pope, Jesus will build His Church.
The office given to Peter is a permanent one. Peter and his successors are to be the shepherd of the whole flock. These Vicars of Christ will have “full, supreme and universal powers of the whole Church.” [CCC 882] Do we think of Pope Leo XIV as our spiritual father? Do we honour his office as one of the great hallmarks of the Catholic Church? Let us embrace him in filial tenderness, pray for him and walk in certainty on the paths he leads us.
— GM