St. LEO, L.C. “Peter is alone chosen to preside over the Apostles, and all the Pastors of the Church; that whereas there are many Priests, and many Ministers, he may govern these, while Christ himself is the Lord of all.” Serm. iii. in Anniv. Assump. p. 107.
St. PROCLUS,[1] G. C. Speaking of St. Peter, he calls him: “ The Chief of the Disciples, and the Head of the Apostles." Orat. viii. p. 391. T. 1. N. Auct. Combefis, Paris. 1648.
St. ISIDORE OF PELUSIUM, G. C. He uses the same words as Proclus, calling Peter “ The chief of the Disciples.” L. 1. Ep. 142. p. 44.
PRIMACY OF THE SUCCESSORS OF ST. PETER.
CENT. II.
St. IRENEUS, L. C. “As it would be tedious to enumerate the whole list of successors, I shall confine myself to that of Rome, the greatest, and most ancient, and most illustrious Church, founded by the glorious Apostles, Peter and Paul, receiving from them her doctrine, which was announced to all men, and which, through the succession of her Bishops, is come down to us. To this Church, on account of its superior headship, m) every other must have recourse, that is, the Faithful of all countries. They, therefore, having founded and instructed this Church, committed the administration thereof to Linus. To him succeeded Anacletus; then
- ↑ He was the disciple of St. John Chrysostom, and was placed on the Patriarchal chair of Constantinople in 434. He died in 447. Several of his homilies and letters are still extant.
