A History of the Popes - Essay Example

Full The Roman Catholic Church: A History The Roman Catholic Church has a long history wherein the apostle Peter is one of the great role players in its establishment. Catholics believe that Peter was killed in Rome during the persecution of the Christians. His body is believed to have been buried at Saint Peter’s Basilica where the popes have been interred for the belief that they are to have their final repose at the burial place of the first pope, Peter. Under the Basilica, relics show that Peter once was there.

There are also Christian writings believed to reflect what happened in the place ages ago. The church that was established at the site of the burial place of Peter seems to be insinuated in the film, “A History of the Popes, Saints and Sinners: Upon This Rock” as the fulfillment of the words of Jesus saying upon Peter, he will build his church. This seemed to have even been strengthened during the time of Pope Leo who very articulately explained the humaneness and divinity of Jesus, making people declare that Peter has spoken to him.

The next episode of the film entitled “Between Two Empires” reflects the fight for power between the political and religious empires in Rome. The religious empire ruled by a pope, decides on what is to be rightfully implemented by the political empire headed by an emperor. However, absolute power has been quite coveted by emperors. On the contrary, popes did not like to give full authority to emperors. Therefore, a long history of contentions between the two empires has been documented. In addition, personal interests played a great role in the historical facts created by emperors and popes.

Interestingly, it was not only the emperors who did not play fair for power. Instead, the popes also showed some vicious acts such as murder like the death of John VIII, Leo V and John X.