papal
UK: ˈpeɪp(ə)l | US: ˈpeɪp(ə)l
adj. relating to the Pope or the papacy
adj. having the authority or dignity of the Pope
The word "papal" derives from the Late Latin "pāpālis," which stems from "pāpa" (meaning "Pope" or "father"). The root "pap" directly references the Pope, while the suffix "-al" (from Latin "-ālis") forms adjectives indicating relation. Historically, "papa" was an honorific for bishops in early Christianity, later becoming exclusive to the Bishop of Rome. The term reflects the centralized authority of the papacy in the Catholic Church.
The papal decree was announced to the faithful during the ceremony.
She studied the history of papal elections in medieval Europe.
The ambassador received a papal blessing from the Pope.
His research focuses on papal authority in the 12th century.
The museum displayed artifacts from the papal treasury.