The Unbroken Line Claim of Popes

The claim of an unbroken line of popes going back to Peter may be found in individual Catholic writings, but is not easily found in official church documents. However, the claim expresses a truth that there is a line of popes, bishops of Rome, going back to Peter. The term 'unbroken' must be understood in the sense that temporary vacancies between popes do not break the line, as similar vacancies occur in other offices like presidents or kings. The only way to break the line would be for the office itself to be abolished and then reintroduced, which has never happened.