In rather Monty Pythonesque discussions, the question ‘what has Rome ever done for us?’ is raised not only by those outside the Church, but also by Catholics who see the primacy of Rome as a barrier to something in which they believe and hope, be it ecumenical unity or a rejection of Vatican II.
Tracing Rome’s authority
The argument for the primacy of Rome can be traced in history, as too can those for conciliar leadership and the primacy of individual patriarchs or bishops.
But we have been gifted the successor of Peter, the rock upon which Our Lord built the Church, and what does that mean for us?
A monarchy comparison
There is a similarity in these questions to those around republicanism and retaining the monarchy in Britain. Is a central authority, who may be little more than a figurehead or able to veto extremism be worth it?
Just as we have had good kings and queens, so we have had mad, bad and dangerous sovereigns. So, familiar if not identical.
Maybe keeping us together on the right track, not falling off the edge of a theological cliff is the point of Rome. Pope Francis went a step or two in a pastoral or theological direction, only then appearing to roll back or take a step or two in another.
While possibly frustrating, it could also feel as if he were a shepherd – encouraging a lamb here, keeping a sheep in the fold there, maintaining a watch over the whole flock.
The late Queen may not have been an absolute monarch, but her counsel and her veto may have saved the country from critical error at times.
Ambassadors for the people
Monarchs and popes are also ambassadors and representatives for the people they serve.
The recent visit of King Charles to the USA was a cause of great anxiety before it took place, and yet his speech to Congress was powerful in its subtly, both bridge building and honest challenge, delivered from a position of authority, experience and integrity.
Rome at its best
Pope Leo speaking truth to power in his defence of peace and rejection of tyranny has, for many, demonstrated the point of the primacy of Rome. 1
A single voice speaking clearly, courageously and truthfully. This is surely Rome at its best, demonstrating the love and challenge of Christ with authority.
- Rebecca Shaw is a chartered environmentalist who works at The Just Housing Group in the social housing sector in the UK. Currently carrying out post-graduate studies in philosophy, theology and religions at the University of Lucerne, her studies are informed by her interests in interfaith relations, inclusion and church history.
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/16/pope-leo-xiv-tyrants-trump-spat and
https://theconversation.com/pope-leos-resolute-response-to-trump-attack-reveals-a-man-of-god-not-politics-280469 ↩︎