What did Jesus mean when he told St. Peter to feed his sheep?

When Jesus told St. Peter to "feed my lambs" and "tend my sheep" (John 21:15–16), he was commissioning Peter to take on a leadership role within the community of the faithful.12

According to the Petrine theory, this instruction, alongside other biblical passages such as Matthew 16:18–19, signifies that Jesus directly established St. Peter as the prince of the Apostles and the visible head of the church. In the context of Roman Catholic theology, this charge is interpreted as conferring a primacy of true jurisdiction rather than merely one of honor. This authority, established by Christ, is understood to pass in perpetuity to Peter's successors, the bishops of Rome, who serve as the popes of the universal church.1

Additionally, these verses are viewed as an act of restoration, reconciling Peter to his leadership position following his earlier denial of Jesus. By entrusting him with the care of his "sheep," Jesus affirmed his continued love and trust in Peter, tasking him with the responsibility of strengthening the faith of his brothers.23