The history of the Papacy parallels the history of Western civilization itself, from the founding of the Church nearly 2,000 years ago by Peter through the end of the second Millennium and the reign of Pope John Paul II. In that time, the Church has become one of the most enduring and influential of all human institutions, outliving great empires and shaping the political and moral destinies of nations and continents.

The papacy started in 30 A.D. when Jesus Christ declared that Simon Bar-Jona would be called Peter (rock). It was on that "rock" the Catholic Church was built and a legacy of 263 popes would follow St. Peter. For the first four centuries, being named the Bishop of Rome often meant exile, imprisonment, torture, or martyrdom. As Christianity gained adherents among the rich and powerful the papal seat became one of global influence.