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Pope

What is pope?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Definition Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church[1]
Latin root papa[2]
Greek root pappas (father)[2]
Eastern Christian use Patriarch of Alexandria[1]

A pope is the bishop of Rome and the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The title also appears in some Eastern Christian traditions for the patriarch of Alexandria or certain priests.

Context

The word 'pope' derives from the Latin 'papa' and Greek 'pappas', meaning 'father' [2]. In the Roman Catholic Church, the pope is the bishop of Rome and the head of the Church [1]. The title is also used in Eastern Christian traditions, such as for the patriarch of Alexandria [1]. Historically, the term was applied more broadly to bishops and priests in early Christianity [2].

Documented claims

  • The title was formerly used more broadly for bishops and sometimes priests in early Christianity. [2]
  • In Eastern Orthodox churches, the title is still used for the patriarch of Alexandria and for Orthodox priests. [2]
  • The meaning varies by Christian tradition; in Roman Catholic usage it means the bishop of Rome, while in some Eastern Christian usage it can refer to the patriarch of Alexandria or a priest. [1]

Questions and answers

What does 'pope' mean in the Roman Catholic Church?

In the Roman Catholic Church, the pope is the bishop of Rome and the head of the Church [1].

Is 'pope' used in other Christian traditions?

Yes, in Eastern Orthodox and Coptic traditions, the title is used for the patriarch of Alexandria [1].

What is the origin of the word 'pope'?

The word comes from the Latin 'papa' and Greek 'pappas', meaning 'father' [2].

Sources

  1. POPE Definition & Meaning — merriam-webster.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. pope noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage ... — oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in People