Feast of the Chair of St. Peter

Today, 22 February, is the liturgical Feast of the Chair of St Peter. It sheds light on the special ministry of strengthening and guiding the Church in the unity of the faith which the Lord entrusted to the Head of the Apostles. It consists in this ministerium petrinum (Petrine ministry), the particular service that the Bishop of Rome is called to render to the entire Christian people. It is an indispensable mission that is not built on human prerogatives but on Christ himself, the cornerstone of the Ecclesial Community.

Let us pray that the Church in the different cultures, languages and traditions will be unanimous in believing and professing the truths of faith and morals passed down by the Apostles.

-Blessed John Paul II, 2004

Pope Benedict XVI reflected upon the history and significance of the Chair of St. Peter in his General Audience address for this feast in 2006.

Let us pray for Pope Benedict during this final week of his pontificate. Let us beg our beloved Blessed John Paul II, who once occupied this seat, to pray for him as well.