A Visit to St. Peter’s in Rome blew me away but left me more Anglican than ever
A few years ago, I was asked by a Roman Catholic friend, “Don’t you miss the clarity of the papacy?” He meant well, and he had a point. In a fragmented Christian world, the papacy stands tall: unified, visible, authoritative. But as an Anglican, I couldn’t help but respond with equal clarity: Yes, the Pope matters—but not for the reasons you might think.1
Who Is the Rock?
Jesus once asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” It was Peter—bold, impetuous Peter—who stepped forward with the answer: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In response, Jesus made a staggering promise: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18).
But can we imagine that Peter might ask the same question of the church today? Peter could ask us, “And who do YOU say that I am?”
The answer to that has vexed the church for 2000 years! Is Peter the foundation? Or is the foundation Peter’s statement of faith in Christ?
The question of the pope’s importance isn’t just a debate about church government or titles. It’s a more profound question about the nature of grace, the importance of faith, the role of Scripture, and the authority of Christ.
The Catholic Case: One Shepherd, One Voice
For Roman Catholics, the answer is clear: the pope is Peter’s heir, and he remains the Rock of the Church. His authority is essential to the life and unity of the Church. The pope is not merely an administrative leader but the foundation of the visible, hierarchical Church.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the pope is the “Vicar of Christ,” possessing “full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church” (CCC 882). The First Vatican Council (1870) affirmed that he speaks infallibly when defining doctrines on faith or morals. This is known as speaking ex cathedra—literally, “from the chair”—as the successor of Peter. Such declarations include the Immaculate Conception (1854) and the Assumption of Mary (1950).
Furthermore, Catholic theology sees grace as mediated through the Church and its sacraments. The Church is the “universal sacrament of salvation.” The pope’s authority ensures these graces are administered rightly and consistently. Communion with the pope is, for Catholics, communion with the fullness of the Church.
The Anglican Response: Grace Flows Through Faith
But Anglicans see things differently.
From the Reformation onward, Anglican reformers affirmed that Jesus Christ alone is the foundation of the Church. The Thirty-Nine Articles say it plainly:
“We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by Faith, and not for our own works or deservings.”
(Article XI)
Therefore, Anglicans do not believe the pope is essential to the Church. As Bishop of Rome, he has authority in Rome—but not beyond. That’s why Article XXXVII boldly declared:
“The Bishop of Rome hath no jurisdiction in this Realm of England.”
This wasn’t just political; it was theological.
Jesus rules His Church through His Word and Spirit—not through one man. Anglicanism restored a New Testament vision of the Church governed by Scripture and guided by grace.
We retain bishops and the historic succession—but not as a means of monopolizing grace. The sacraments are means of grace, yes, but they do not control it. God’s grace is freely given through faith in Christ.
Scripture vs. Hierarchy
At the heart of this difference is authority. For Catholics, Scripture and Tradition are interpreted by the Magisterium, with the pope as the final arbiter.
Anglicans honor Scripture, Tradition, and Reason—but Scripture stands supreme. No bishop, council, or synod can contradict the clear teaching of Scripture. When church leaders do so, as they have and will, the Church must be reformed to align with the Word of God.
To the Reformers, the pope had become not the servant of the Word—but its rival.
The Pastoral Issue: How Grace Reaches People
For the person in the pew, the difference is crucial.
Grace is not something you line up for. It isn’t controlled by clerics or earned by merit. It comes by hearing the Gospel, believing in Christ, repenting of sin, and receiving His mercy. The Church exists to proclaim and administer that Gospel—but it does not own it.
The priest stands at the altar as a herald, not a gatekeeper. The bishop is a guardian of doctrine, not its origin. The true foundation is not Peter’s chair—but Christ Himself.
So… Does the Pope Matter?
In one sense, no. The pope holds no authority over Anglicans. His declarations are not binding. His office is not mirrored in our structures.
But in another sense—yes. The pope matters because he matters to millions. He shepherds, teaches, and influences vast parts of the global Church. And for that, we can pray God gives him wisdom and grace.
He also matters because of the questions he raises:
- Where does authority lie?
- How is unity preserved?
- How is grace received?
The Anglican answer is both ancient and reformational:
Authority lies in Scripture.
Unity is found in shared faith and worship.
Grace is free—and it flows from Christ alone.
When I Visited the Vatican… and Left More Anglican Than Ever
Last year, by the generosity of Diego Della Valle, the owner of the fashion house Schiaparelli, Fran and I were given a private tour of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. Diego is Roman Catholic. He is Italian. And he is on the Pope’s special call list for special projects.
The tour was extraordinary. Awe-inspiring. And unforgettable.
Here are five things that left a lasting impression:
Read it all in The Anglican