What was the role of Peter?

[Ivanovich]

Coming from an Orthodox perspective, I understand that the Apostles passed their authority down to their disciples and also that Peter was a particularly important Apostle. What is the Catholic reasoning that the special role of Peter was passed down to the office of his disciples and not just the authority common to all Apostles and disciples?

 

[Augusta_Crowley]

These links should be helpful for explaining the Roman Catholic teachings on Peter and the papacy. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please [contact Catholic Answers (http://www.catholic.com/home/contact.asp) directly.
**Recommended Reading:
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Peter and the Eastern Orthodox