Question

What special authority did the bishop of Rome assume

Answer 1

The special authority that the bishop of Rome assumed was the position of the pope.

Answer 2

The pope

Step-by-step explanation:

The special authority that the bishop of Rome assumed was that of supreme pontiff (pontifex maximus) or pope. The pope is the leader of the Catholic Church, and also the head of state of Vatican City. The current pope is Pope Francis. The pope, as bishop of Rome, is considered the succesor of Saint Peter.