pope

Everyday

1. (church) The Pope is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who lives in Vatican City in Rome; Catholics see him as following Saint Peter. tree →
2. In some Orthodox churches, "pope" is also a title for certain leaders, like the Pope of Alexandria. tree →

In the lessons

In RE lessons pupils learn that the Pope is chosen by cardinals, and that white smoke from a chimney shows a new pope has been chosen. He leads prayers for the whole world and writes letters to the Church. Phrases: the Pope, a new pope, the Pope's visit, Pope Francis (a name with title).

Examples

• The Pope gave a blessing to the crowd in Saint Peter's Square. tree →
• White smoke rose, and people cheered: there was a new pope. tree →
• Our school watched the Pope's Christmas message. tree →
• Catholics see the Pope as the successor of Saint Peter. tree →
• The Pope lives in Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. tree →
• Many popes have taken the name John or Pius. tree →
• Then our Pope besought him, crying-- tree →

Note

Capital P for "the Pope" or a name ("Pope Francis"); small p for the general word ("popes of the past"). Adjective papal. Only Catholic (and some Orthodox) churches have a pope; Protestant churches do not.