Who was the first Pope of the Catholic Church?

St Peter was an apostle of Jesus from whom he received the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, according to Matthew 16:18–19. Peter was later sentenced to be crucified in Rome. Peter was crucified at Rome with his head downwards, as he himself had desired to suffer. The Cross of St. Peter inverts the Latin cross based on this refusal, and claim of unworthiness, to die the same way as his Savior. Several feast days honor his memory including Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on the 29th of June, and the Chair of Saint Peter on the 22nd of February. He is recognized by the Catholic Church as the first Bishop of Rome appointed by Christ. The St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City was built over top of his grave and is named after him.