Pope and His Role in the Catholic Church: A Simple Explanation

A pope is a religious leader who is the head of the biggest Christian division, the Roman Catholic Church. He is respected globally and considered the spiritual guide by millions of Catholics across the world. He is elected by a group of high-ranking bishops known as the Cardinals. The cardinals lock themselves in a room and choose the Pope in a private meeting known as the Conclave. White smoke is released from the chapel, signaling the election of the new pope.

The Role of the Pope

• The Pope is the head of the Vatican City and oversees the country’s important matters.
• He is responsible for defending the Catholic doctrine and practices.
• The Pope provides moral as well as spiritual guidance to the believers.
• He is in control of appointing the senior clergy, including bishops and cardinals.
• He is considered a global peacemaker and advocate of human rights.

The Pope is not only a global representative of Roman Catholics but also serves as a religious compass for both believers and seekers. Moreover, he is also considered a humanitarian, advocating for social justice and equality.