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DictionarypopeRoman Catholic leader
noun

pope

POHP/pəʊp/

The head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The pope stands in a Vatican courtyard wearing a white cassock.

A generic elderly Catholic pope in white cassock and white skullcap stands in a Vatican courtyard, no resemblance to a specific living person.
Etymology
popeGreekfather; bishop

Greek papas, originally “father,” became a title for bishops. In the Western Church, this title came to designate especially, and eventually exclusively, the bishop of Rome.

In context

Intrigued Mind2:42
Pope is not actually a title but simply an honorific term used for the bishop of Rome
The Confusing Hierarchy of the Catholic Church

More examples

  • Cardinals gather to elect a new pope.
  • The pope calls for peace in his weekly message.
  • This book describes the lives of several popes.

Forms

pope · popes

papal adjective — Relating to the pope or his office.

papacy noun — The office or tenure of a pope.

Similar words

pontiff
A formal term for the pope, often used in reporting.