The pope serves as the spiritual leader of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church and the head of Vatican City, a sovereign city-state. His primary roles and duties include:
- Acting as the successor to Saint Peter, who was appointed by Jesus Christ as the head of the apostles and given the "keys to heaven," symbolizing authority over the Church
- Holding full and supreme power over the universal Church in matters of faith, morals, church discipline, and governance.
- Guiding over 1.3 billion Catholics globally by upholding Church teachings, resolving theological disputes, and appointing bishops to dioceses worldwide
- Presiding over major religious celebrations and events, such as Christmas and Easter Masses at St. Peter's Basilica
- Meeting regularly with bishops from around the world to discuss the status of their dioceses, typically through "ad limina" visits every five years
- Engaging in diplomatic and interfaith dialogue by meeting world leaders, human rights advocates, and celebrities to promote social, moral, and environmental causes
- Providing weekly blessings and audiences for pilgrims and tourists, including the Angelus prayer on Sundays
- Serving as the head of state of Vatican City, managing its governance as a sovereign entity within Rome
- Leading the Church as a moral and spiritual father, safeguarding the faith and unity of Catholics under the guidance of the Holy Spirit
The pope's role blends religious, political, and moral leadership, requiring extensive travel and interaction with global leaders and communities. This multifaceted responsibility has led some popes, such as Benedict XVI, to resign when feeling unable to fulfill these duties due to age or health
. In summary, the pope is the chief shepherd of the Catholic Church, overseeing its spiritual mission, governance, and global presence while also serving as a diplomatic and moral voice on the world stage.
