The group found at the top of the early Christian church hierarchy was the
bishops.
While the role of the Pope as a supreme leader developed over time, in the early Church (especially before the 4th century), bishops held the highest authority within their respective dioceses. They were considered the successors of the Apostles and were responsible for overseeing the local church community, ordaining clergy, and administering sacraments.
Here's a breakdown:
* Bishops: Leaders of individual dioceses (cities and surrounding areas).
* Presbyters (Priests): Assisted the bishops in leading local congregations within the diocese.
* Deacons: Assisted the bishops and presbyters in various ministries, including caring for the poor and assisting in liturgical functions.
While some bishops might have held more prestige due to their position in important cities like Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem, there wasn't a universally accepted single leader or "Pope" with the authority we associate with the papacy today. The concept of papal primacy gradually developed over centuries.