The first priest of the Catholic Church is traditionally considered to be Jesus Christ himself, who established the priesthood during the Last Supper. However, if we look at the direct successors and the formation of the Church, the Apostles, particularly Peter, are often recognized as the first priests appointed to lead and serve in the Church’s early community.
Following Jesus’ resurrection, the Apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to perform the sacraments, preach the Gospel, and guide the growing Christian community. In this sense, while Christ instituted the priesthood, it was the Apostles who began the ministry of the Church following His teachings and example.
It’s essential to note that the concept of a priest in Catholicism has evolved over time. The first communities of believers did not necessarily organize in the way we see today, but the role of the priest became more defined in the years following Christ’s ascension into Heaven. Therefore, while Jesus is the foundation of the priesthood, the Apostolic Fathers who succeeded Him are deeply rooted in that tradition.