John,

It is unclear whether Jesus spoke those words in Aramaic, but we do have them in the Greek text, which the Latin was translated from. The word play is still there, though there is a lot of dispute surrounding it. It is found in Mt 16:18, and though the RC church takes it as their key text for being the only 'true church', many would dispute that Jesus was in fact asserting that Peter's faith in Jesus was what the Church would be built on. Afterall, Jesus does call Peter Satan five verses later for trying to talk him out of dying on the cross. Further, Peter himself speaks of all believers as rocks/stones being built up with Jesus as the chief stone, not himself (1 Pet 2).

I hope that helps.

Jason, Maple Ridge, Canada

"Tu es Petrus et in hoc petro edificabo ecclesiam meam" (Thou art Peter and upon this rock I shall build my church) is
an interesting word-play in Latin, the language of the Roman Church. But does it also work in Aramaic, the langauge spoken by Jesus?

John, Laconia, USA

I would strongly recommend the pope and other so-called "true church" persons read the Book of Romans, located in th New Testament of the Holy Bible. The truth is in God's Word, not some man. Remember: "Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord," not a pope. This sheer popery at its worst (or best).

Nancy E. Apple, Greenfield, Indiana/USA

They're not wrong,
“ecclesial communities originating with the Reformation” – had recognised there were “many elements of sanctification and truth” in other Christian denominations, but had also emphasised that only Catholicism was fully Christ’s Church. but they lack the fullness of the Church established by Christ, namely apostolic succession and the body & blood of christ truly present in the Eucharist.

Raphael, Toronto,

Many Protestants might not regard the Roman Church as a proper church and after this who is to say they are wrong. The Pope should be careful what he says - people in glass houses should not throw stones. If it were not for the Protestant Reformation true Christianity might have died out by now to be replaced by an entirely corrupt ecclesiastical system such as the pre Reformation church, selling indulgences and engaging in uninhibited magic. The Protestants saved the whole church, Rome included, from this.
I wonder what those ancient churches in the East must think - a cynical laugh would be entirely forgivable.

D.Wake, London , United Kingdom

They might be surprised that the Pope is Catholic if they are their own pope.

neil, bodmin, cornwall

They might be surprised if they are their own pope.

neil, bodmin, cornwall

I am not a Catholic. I do not accept the primacy of the Pope. I do believe that all denominations will eventually have to come together under one leader, designated by God, but the differences and history between all the denominations, catholic, orthodox and protestant, mean that the unifying force cannot be any one of them, but will have to be from outside them. They will each have to opt in to a new unified church. Then and only then, will the circumstances be riight for God's ultimate return to earth and the final connection between heaven and earth.

Nick Broadbent, Tunbridge Wells,

What a breath of fresh air: no politics - just the truth and charity. I follow Benedict and seem to know where I am going.

Nicholas de Piro, Valletta, Malta

Father, it's the type of Catholic he is that worries many of us Catholics and catholics alike.

Dónal Thompson, Madid, Spain

People find GOD in different ways.
Who are we to say that they are wrong ?

Bernard Parke, GUILDFORD,

Exactly,here in Germany it was the top news story yesterday.It was claimed that the Protestants were very upset.But what has the Pope stated that the Catholic Church hasn't consistantly taught since Jesus said to Peter"You are Peter and on this rock I build my Church".

Myke & Dr.Miriam Rosenthal-English, Füssen, Germany