today's readings are 1 Peter 5: 1-4 ; Psalm 23 and Matthew 16: 13-19
In the Basilica of St. John Lateran is found a chair as seen in the image attached. This chair or seat is referred to as the cathedra of the Bishop of Rome, the successor to St. Peter.
Pope Benedict XVI referred to the cathedra and the feast we are celebrating today with the following statement:
"It is the symbol of his authority and, particularly, of his 'Magisterium', in other words of the evangelical teaching that he, as successor to the Apostles, is called to protect and transmit to the Christian community".
Today we thank almighty God for the role of St. Peter and his successors as the Bishops of Rome, and the Pope and Holy Father of the Catholic Church.
May almighty God's blessings be upon the current Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis, and his successors in the ages to come.