A pope is the bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church. Catholics believe the pope to be the direct successor of Saint Peter, who was appointed by Jesus Christ as the head of His apostles and the foundation ("rock") upon which the Church was built. This succession grants the pope supreme authority over matters of faith, morals, church discipline, and governance for Catholics globally
. The pope holds multiple titles, including Supreme Pontiff, Vicar of Christ, and Servant of the Servants of God. He resides in Vatican City, an independent city-state within Rome, which serves as the headquarters of the Holy See-the central governing body of the Catholic Church
. Historically, the papacy has played a significant role not only in religious matters but also in political and social affairs, especially during the Middle Ages. Today, the pope guides the Church through teachings, appoints bishops and cardinals, promotes unity, and engages in interfaith dialogue and charitable work
. Catholics do not worship the pope but regard him as the earthly shepherd appointed by God to lead and protect the Church, keeping it free from error in faith and morals. The pope’s authority is understood to be divinely instituted, rooted in biblical passages such as Matthew 16:18-19, where Jesus gives Peter the "keys of the kingdom," symbolizing leadership and authority over the Church
. In summary, the pope is the highest earthly authority in the Catholic Church, serving as its spiritual leader, teacher, and symbol of unity for over a billion Catholics worldwide.
