Roman Catholic Pope
History and Nature of the Papacy
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The title pope stems from the Greek word papas, which simply means "father." Early in Christian history it was used as a formal title expressing affectionate respect for any bishop and sometimes even priests. Today it continues to be used in Eastern Orthodox churches for the patriarch of Alexandria.
The Nature of the Papacy
Who or what is the Roman Catholic Pope? What makes a person a pope and how does this position
differ from other Roman Catholic clergy?
Highlights:
• What is a pope?
• Papal Infallibility
• The Vatican
History of the Papacy
The papacy has a very long and complex history - indeed, much of European history can only be
understood in light of the conflicts over who should be become pope, conflicts between popes and
secular rulers, and dissent from papal decisions.
Highlights:
• Longest Reigning Popes
• Shortest Reigning Popes
• 20th Century Popes
• 19th Century Popes
Electing the Next Pope
Every human is mortal, and that includes popes. Some may live and reign for extraordinarily long
times while others may only serve for a few days, but in the end all die and a new pope must be
elected. But how are popes chosen? It's a process that seems shrouded in secrecy and history;
the details of any particular election are supposed to be kept hidden, but general information
about the typical process is indeed known.
Highlights:
• What Happens to the Old Pope?
• The Conclave
• Continuity vs. Discontinuity
• Who Becomes Pope?
