The Chair of Peter

"Today is the Feast of the Cathedra or Chair of St. Peter: a recurrence dating back to the fourth century that honors and celebrates the primacy and authority of St. Peter....

"Last year, on this day, in reflections made during the Angelus, Pope John Paul remarked that 'the liturgical feast of the Chair of Peter underscores the singular mystery, entrusted by the Lord to the leader of the Apostles, of confirming and guiding the Church in the unity of faith. This is what the ministerium petrinum is, that particular service that the Bishop of Rome is called to render to all Christians. An indispensable mission that is not based on human prerogatives but on Christ Himself as the cornerstone of the ecclesial community.

"'Let us pray that the Church, in the variety of cultures, languages and traditions, will be unanimous in believing and professing the truth of faith and morals transmitted by the Apostles.'"

from the Vatican Information Service