In Rome, there were many Pontifex Maxmimi (link) before Peter. When the Romans chose Christianity to be the state religion, to make the church serve the empire, they simply began a new line of leaders called "Popes". But they also kept with their tradition and gave the title "Pontifex Maximus" to each new pope.
In tradition, the PM was the ultimate governor of religious matters. In polytheistic Rome, the office of PM arranged celebrations, alms giving events, and ceremonies of all the temples.
For example, the Vestal Virgins (link) were women who took a vow of chastity and attended the hearth fires: sacred fires that must always burn. Because of their vow they were given high status within Roman culture.
Here's a picture of some in action:
Look familiar? Of course. They are Rome's modern day "nuns". Rome simply repurposed that sect of religious virgins (that began ~ 500 B.C.) into their own brand of religious virgins.
Popes = Pontifex Maximus
Cardinals = Roman Senate
Bishops = Governors
Nuns = Vestal Virgins
Queen of Heaven = Roman Goddess worship
This was all done to appease the poly-theistic citizens of the Roman Empire
In tradition, the PM was the ultimate governor of religious matters. In polytheistic Rome, the office of PM arranged celebrations, alms giving events, and ceremonies of all the temples.
For example, the Vestal Virgins (link) were women who took a vow of chastity and attended the hearth fires: sacred fires that must always burn. Because of their vow they were given high status within Roman culture.
Here's a picture of some in action:
Look familiar? Of course. They are Rome's modern day "nuns". Rome simply repurposed that sect of religious virgins (that began ~ 500 B.C.) into their own brand of religious virgins.
Popes = Pontifex Maximus
Cardinals = Roman Senate
Bishops = Governors
Nuns = Vestal Virgins
Queen of Heaven = Roman Goddess worship
This was all done to appease the poly-theistic citizens of the Roman Empire