adjective
papal
PAY-pul/ˈpeɪpl/
Relating to the pope or the office of pope.
The triple-crowned tiara and crossed keys form a papal emblem.
Etymology
Papa was a title for bishops before becoming especially associated with the Bishop of Rome. Papal therefore describes the pope or his official authority.
In context
the leader of the Catholic Church, sworn to uphold its holiest traditions, but his most shocking actions were not in a chapel, they were in the private chambers of the Papal Palace.
More examples
- A papal representative attends the ceremony.
- The bishops discuss a new papal statement on poverty.
- The course traces the history of papal authority.
Forms
papal
papacy noun — The office or authority of the pope.
Similar words
- pontifical
- Can also describe bishops, not just the pope.