We Have a Pope: 2,000 Years of Preserving the Faith

by Stephen K. Ray, R. Dennis Walters

As the head of the Catholic Church, the pope is the leader of the faithful. But for non-Catholics, the papacy is one of the most difficult aspects of Catholicism for them to accept. "Why does the Catholic Church have a pope?" "Is his authority legitimate?" From often-misunderstood concepts such as papal infallibility to the unbroken and irrefutable connection between Peter and today's pope, this guide will provide you with the answers to common difficulties. You'll find detailed and fascinating explanations of the evolution of papal responsibilities, the history of the office, and the vital importance of the Holy Father throughout 2000 years of history — especially in today's world. You'll also learn: • Why we need a pope • Who instituted the papacy • Why Peter was chosen as Christ's successor • The importance of a name change • The authority held by Peter • Who led the early Church • Why the seat of Peter is located in Rome • How we know that Peter had successors • What papal primacy means • And much more!

32 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

Stephen K. Ray was raised in a devout, loving Baptist family. His father was a deacon and Bible teacher and Stephen was very involved in the Baptist Church as a teacher of Biblical studies and lectured on a wide range of topics. Steve and his wife Janet entered the Catholic Church in 1994.

In addition to running a family business, Steve spends time researching, writing, and teaching about the Catholic Faith. He is the author of Crossing the Tiber: Evangelical Protestants Discover the Historical Church, Upon This Rock: St. Peter and the Primacy of Rome in Scripture and the Early Church, and St. John's Gospel: A Bible Study and Commentary.

He is currently producing a 10-video series for Ignatius Press called The Footprints of God: The Story of Salvation From Abraham to Augustine, filmed on location in the Holy Land.