THE “AGAINST THE HERESIES” OF IRENEUS OF LYON, AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE BISHOP OF ROME

In his writing Against Heresies, Irenaeus, bishop of Lyon from 177 to 202, states: “The Church of Rome was founded by the most glorious apostles Peter and Paul. Its apostolic tradition was transmitted through the succession of its bishops. With the Church of Rome, by reason of its superior authority, every other Church must agree, since the apostolic tradition is preserved in it. " (Against heresies III, 3, 2) Irenaeus mentions in chronological order the successors of Peter up to the period of his writing: "Lino, Cleto, Clemente, Evaristo, Alessandro, Sisto, Telesforo, Igino, Pio, Aniceto, Sotero, Eleuterio. " And he adds: "With this succession the same one vivifying faith was preserved and faithfully transmitted by the apostles." (Against heresies III, 3, 3) With this writing, the bishop of Lyons testifies to the superior authority of the Church of Rome - therefore of the successor of Peter - with respect to other ecclesial communities.