The Pope = Bishop of Rome. Peter is the first Bishop of Rome.
I think they were in Jerusalem which is James' was in charge of. Also Peter gave his Judgment first he just didn't verbally title it. You'll often hear the Bishop of Rome as first among equals.
Also notice here is the first inkling of salvation through Jesus Christ being laid down as solid doctrine. Peter didn't have a copy of Romans and say.....well it says here in the bible we are saved through Jesus Christ. Also Peter is not introducing "new" doctrine. He is clarifying the faith as is.
James ends his judgment following Peter.
Had they followed the law of "Sola Scriptura", Scripture would have demanded the same yoke the Jews were under. And none of what they say would hold weight or matter.
No man is impeccable including James, Peter and Paul. All can make mistakes and be corrected by church laws. Peter has authority but among equals.
Even today. A bishop can't be removed at the snap of a Pope's finger. The bishop is not a like a branch office, he has a almost independant authority. There is church laws in place that can remove bishops they all in a sense agreed to it. They all also agree the authority of the Pope.
Keep in mind Pope is title of honor. Legal-wise he is "merely" the Bishop of Rome.
Now as far as LEADERSHIP, Command and authority of Peter.
For a minute put yourself in Peter's shoes. And JESUS CHRIST is telling you this, who do you think Jesus is making you RESPONSIBLE for?
John 21
15So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon,
son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.”
16He said to him again a second time, “Simon,
son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.”
17He said to him the third time, “Simon,
son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.
As Peter who would you think you are not in charge of if your directed by Christ to SHEPHERD the SHEEP?
Down to be held by responsible BY CHRIST. I guarantee there no authority higher then you because the highest has already made you responsible for all.
I don't care if Peter is the janitor of the apostles. The command of Christ transcends title.