Abstract:
This essay critically engages the common Catholic interpretation of Matthew 16:18-19 as the scriptural foundation for the Papacy. While acknowledging the cultural and political significance of appointing a non-European Pope in today’s world, the piece argues that Jesus’ words to Peter were never intended to establish a singular ecclesiastical office, let alone one headquartered in Rome. Drawing on scriptural intertextuality, Second Temple geography, and early church history, the essay proposes that Jesus’ reference to “this rock” was not about Peter alone but likely alluded to the cosmic battleground of Caesarea Philippi—ancient Bashan. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the “keys” and “binding/loosing” terminology reflect shared apostolic authority and teaching responsibility, not centralized supremacy. By situating Matthew 16 within its theological and geographical context, the piece concludes that the modern office of the Bishop of Rome exceeds the concerns of Jesus and Peter in that passage, while still affirming that God can use the Papacy—especially one led by a competent non-Western Pope—for great good in the present age.

Matthew 16:18-19 ESV
[18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

The world awaits a new Pope, and some of us hope for a Pope of African (or Asian) descent. The reason is simple. Whatever the merits of the spiritual arguments, we should not downplay the politics. A Black Pope at a time like this will forever reorder the cosmos. The Church has its history of discrimination and racism. Electing a non-white Pope would be a deafening signal that the world is forever changing.