Why was St. Peter given the keys to heaven?

That originated when Jesus Christ himself said that, "Blessed are you, Simon Barionah (Peter son of Jonah). For flesh and blood has not revealed this to your, but my heavenly Father....I will give you the KEYS TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN...."

You can find the verses above on chapter 16 from the Gospel according to Matthew in the Holy Bible. The verses quoted above is from verse 17 and 19

Answer Peter is also known as "The Rock of Christianity" and he is the leader of the Christian Church.