The Authority and guarantee of Infallibility that we see in Mt 16 and in Mt 18 is to Peter first and foremost but also to the Bishops in communication with each other - including Peter's successor.
Mt 18 makes this clear when Jesus says to tell it to the Church and later in Acts 15 where we see an issue told to "the Church" - in the form of councilior deliberation where Peter speaks authoritatively, but does not unilaterally "lay down the law".
The special charism of the Bishop of Rome...Seen as Peter's successor in this way develops out of, and is not separate from, this broader charism. For this reason we see the Bishop of Rome take great care to consult with his fellow bishops and with others all with the idea of seeking consensus through councilior deliberation (either formal or informal)
Only after lengthy and prayerful consideration, does the Pope make any dogmatic declaration.
Now - Why Rome and not Antioch??
Probably a couple of very pragmatic reasons.
1) Rome is where Peter died - the Successor in Antioch existed before peter died and so the charism followed Peter to Rome from Antioch.
2) Looking to a central "leadership" - a "headquarters" - a "clearing house" - a repository for teachings etc. would be a logical development of Christ's Kingdom on earth and....
3) Rome - in the earliest days was the "center of the world" - best communications etc. PLUS having been the place where Peter died - all of these things made Rome, and Peter's successor there, the logical successor to the Primacy among the bishops..."The first among equals.
And of course - ALL of this has the blessing of Our Lord for, since it is bound on earth, so is it bound in heaven....
Not sure if this helps, but it is the tack that I would take in the discussion.
Peace
James
Source: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=700031&goto=newpost
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