Term
pope
The bishop of Rome and, in Catholic teaching, the successor to Peter and head of the Holy See.
Filed underEcclesiologyChurch History
Definition
The child's word for 'father' in Greek (pappas or papas). The bishop of Rome and thus, in Catholic teaching, the direct successor to Peter, its first bishop, and the Holy See, its ancient seat of government.
Connections
Follow this entry through the Lexicon.
- Related to
- antipopeTerm
- Donation of ConstantineTerm
- Investiture ControversyTerm
- Papal LegateTerm
- Papal StateTerm
- See also
- GallicanismTerm
- Roman CatholicismTerm
- Synonym of
- Vicar of ChristTerm
Sources
- 1.Alan Richardson and John Bowden The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983). 345
- 2.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 144
Last revised August 14, 2026