What does "upon this rock I will build my church" mean?
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus addresses Simon Peter after his confession of faith, declaring him the rock foundation upon which the Church will be built. Catholic teaching understands this as Christ establishing Peter as the visible head of the Church, inaugurating the Petrine office that continues in his successors, the Bishops of Rome.
Interpretive Questions
The Catechism affirms that the Lord made Peter 'the visible foundation' of the Church and gave him authority that was meant to be permanent (CCC 552, 881).
Sources & Further Reading
Scripture: Matthew 16:17-19 · Isaiah 22:22 · John 1:42 · Luke 22:32
Catechism of the Catholic Church: CCC 552 · CCC 881 · CCC 882
Go Deeper
Bible lessons that explore this topic further: