The key text is Matthew 16:18-19. In this passage we see in seed form the ministry of the papacy. First, Jesus makes Peter, whose name means rock, the visible foundation of his church: “upon this rock I will build my church.” Second, Jesus gives Peter the “keys of the kingdom,” which in the Jewish tradition symbolizes royal authority in the kingdom. Third, Jesus makes Peter the supreme binder and looser, which in the Jewish tradition signifies doctrinal and judicial authority among the People of God.
Because Peter died as the Bishop of Rome, his successors continue to exercise the Petrine ministry as “visible foundation of the church,” “keeper of the keys,” and “supreme binder and looser.”
Hope that helps!
