Papal supremacy is the doctrine in the Roman Catholic Church that asserts the Pope's authority as the supreme leader of all Christians. This belief holds that the Pope, as the successor of Saint Peter, has the ultimate spiritual authority over the Church and its members. It emphasizes the Pope's role in guiding doctrine, moral teachings, and church governance. The concept of papal supremacy has historical roots, particularly during the Middle Ages, when the Pope wielded significant political and spiritual power. This authority has been challenged over time, especially during the Reformation, leading to the establishment of various Protestant denominations that reject the Pope's supremacy.