Primus inter pares

Latin for &quot;first among equals,&quot; this expression was historically used to describe the status of some bishops who occupied particularly significant and ancient sees (episcopal seats of authority), often called &quot;patriarchal sees,&quot; such as those of Rome, Jerusalem, Antioch, and later, Constantinople. Such bishops were seen as being &quot;primates&quot; (or &quot;firsts&quot;) in precedence and honor in councils of bishops, yet they exercised such &quot;primacy&quot; among other bishops who, in the early centuries, were clearly understood to be &quot;equals&quot; with equal voice and vote in the governance of the church.