Lexicon index Lexicon
Bishop of Rome
The Pope — whose primacy of honor is recognized in Orthodox theology but whose universal jurisdiction and infallibility are not.
In Orthodox ecclesiology, the Bishop of Rome holds the first place of honor (primus inter pares, first among equals) among the five ancient patriarchates. This primacy is one of honor, not jurisdictional authority over other churches. The Orthodox Church distinguishes sharply between this ancient honorific primacy and the Roman Catholic teaching of universal jurisdiction and infallibility, which it holds to be an innovation without apostolic warrant.