ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Papal primacy

Papal primacy means that the Pope (the leader of the Catholic Church) has the most important position in the Church. It's like being the boss of a big company. The Pope is considered the head of the whole Church and has the authority to make important decisions related to the Church's teachings and practices.

The Pope's power comes from a belief that he is the successor of St. Peter, who was chosen by Jesus to be the leader of the apostles. Catholics believe that the Pope can trace his authority back to St. Peter through a line of succession that has continued to the present day.

The Pope has many responsibilities, such as leading the Church, teaching and interpreting the Bible, making decisions on Church law, and providing guidance to Catholics all over the world. He is also considered the representative of Jesus on Earth and is often called the "Vicar of Christ."

However, the Pope's authority is not absolute. He must still follow the teachings of the Bible and the tradition of the Church. Also, when making important decisions, he often consults with other leaders in the Church, including bishops and cardinals.

In summary, Papal primacy means that the Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church and has the most important position. However, he must still follow the teachings of the Bible and tradition, and he consults with other leaders in the Church when making important decisions.