Lesson 27 Jesus Founded the Church Jesus founded the Catholic Church and chose St. Peter to lead it. Catechism Connections Lesson Topics Church Structure Life of Christ Religious Life Essential Lessons Lesson Vocabulary Pope: (n.): The successor of St. Peter as bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the universal Catholic Church. The pope exercises a primacy of authority as the vicar of Christ on earth and the shepherd of the whole Church. Plan Lesson 27 Classroom Slidespptx Teach St. Peter's Basilica jpg Extend Lesson 27 Absent Student Handout pptx Lesson 27 Parent Newsletter pdf Prayer for Our Pope