VATICAN, Rome – The leader of the global Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome is the Pope.
Other names for him include sovereign pope, Roman pontiff, and supreme pontiff.
Before his death early in the morning of Easter Monday, Pope Francis served as the head of the Catholic Church. Although some possible candidates are being considered, the next Pope has not yet been chosen.
Against this background, Y News looks at the significance of the Bishop of Rome (Pontifex Maximus), the Pope.
What is the Pope?
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the Vicar of Christ on Earth.
He is the successor of Saint Peter, whom Jesus appointed as the visible leader of His Church (cf. Matthew 16:18-19).
He is not a king in worldly terms, but he bears a divine office that involves spiritual leadership over more than a billion Catholics.
How is the Pope elected?
After a pope dies or resigns, the College of Cardinals meets in a conclave inside the Vatican. They secretly vote until a candidate receives at least two-thirds of the votes.
Once a man accepts his election, he immediately becomes the Pope; there is no need for ordination (unless he’s not already a bishop).
Footage released by the Vatican shows Pope Francis’ calls with the Catholic Church in Gaza, something he had been doing every night since the war began in 2023.
His first public act is usually the Urbi et Orbi blessing, “to the City and the World.”
What are the Pope’s spiritual responsibilities?
He is the chief shepherd of the whole Church. His primary duties include:
- Guarding the deposit of faith (Scripture and Tradition)
- Teaching with authority, especially through encyclicals, apostolic letters, and homilies
- Defending unity in faith and morals
- Guiding bishops and ensuring proper governance in the Church
- Appointing bishops worldwide
- Calling synods or councils, when necessary
He is also the final court of appeal in Church matters. There is no higher earthly authority.
What does it mean that the Pope is infallible?
Infallibility does not mean the Pope is sinless or always right in his personal opinions.
It means that when he speaks ex cathedra (from the chair of Peter) on matters of faith and morals, intending to define a doctrine for the whole Church, the Holy Spirit preserves him from error.
Most people think a pope dies, and that’s it. Funeral, mourning, next man up.But what actually happens behind Vatican walls?It’s one of the oldest and most secretive rituals in the world. And it just got triggered. 🧵👇
This has been done only a few times (for example, the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of Mary).
What are his day-to-day duties?
The Pope is not just a theologian; he’s also a head of state and spiritual father. Daily tasks may include:
- Meeting with bishops, world leaders, and laypeople
- Writing letters and teachings
- Governing the Vatican City State
- Reviewing Church matters worldwide
- Praying and celebrating Mass
- Receiving reports from nuncios (ambassadors)
The Roman Curia supports him; it is a body of cardinals and officials who help administer the global Church.
What obligations come with the papacy?
The Pope must live in personal holiness as a witness to Christ.
- He must pray daily for the Church and the world
- He must safeguard the unity and orthodoxy of the faith
- He must remain faithful to Sacred Tradition, not invent doctrine
- He must be willing to suffer for the Church, even unto death, if necessary
He carries the burden of Peter: to feed the sheep, strengthen the brethren, and lay down his life for Christ’s flock (John 21:15–17, Luke 22:32).
What happens if a pope fails?
Popes are human; they can make mistakes in governance, show weakness, or sin. But God has promised to protect the Church from doctrinal collapse.
The mortal remains of Pope Francis are carried up the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica and into the Vatican Basilica.The Rite of Translation from the Casa Santa Marta was led by members of the College of Cardinals present in Rome, and over 20,000 people gathered in the square to
When popes go astray, history and the Holy Spirit correct them. Holiness, not power, is the mark of a great pontificate.
Is the Pope a monarch?
He is a servant-monarch, whose motto is Servus servorum Dei: “Servant of the servants of God.”
He has supreme authority in the Church, but it exists for the good of souls, not for personal benefit. He leads by humility, not domination.
The Pope is not above the Gospel or Holy Tradition. He is its steward.
Why is the Pope important today?
Because the Church is global, the Pope is a sign of unity across cultures and continents.
He is a visible father to the faithful, a moral voice in the world, and a guardian of truth in an age of confusion.
