pope

UK: pəʊp | US: poʊp

Definition

  1. n. the bishop of Rome as head of the Roman Catholic Church

  2. n. (historical) a title for certain high-ranking clergy in early Christianity

Structure
pope <father, from Latin "papa">
Etymology

The word "pope" originates from the Latin "papa," meaning "father," a term of endearment and respect for early Christian clergy. By the 3rd century, it was used specifically for bishops, and by the 5th century, it became reserved for the bishop of Rome in the Western Church. The simplification to "pope" reflects Old English adaptation ("pāpa") and the loss of the final "-a" over time. The term's evolution mirrors the centralization of ecclesiastical authority in Rome.

Examples

  1. The pope addressed thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter's Square.

  2. During the Middle Ages, the pope wielded significant political influence.

  3. She wrote a letter to the pope about social justice issues.

  4. The election of a new pope is conducted by the College of Cardinals.

  5. Historians study the role of the pope in the Crusades.