How was the Christian Church first organized How did this system develop into the Papacy (head bishop in Rome called the Pope)?

The early Christian Church was initially organized around local communities led by bishops, who were responsible for teaching, governance, and sacraments. As Christianity spread, the Church established a hierarchy, with the bishop of Rome gaining prominence as a central authority due to the belief in the apostolic succession from St. Peter. Over time, this led to the consolidation of power in the Roman bishopric, evolving into the Papacy, which became recognized as the spiritual and administrative head of the global Church. By the 4th century, the Pope's authority was further solidified through ecumenical councils and the establishment of doctrines that reinforced the central role of the bishop of Rome.