The pope is the bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, which includes about 1.3 billion Catholics globally. He holds supreme authority over matters of faith, morals, church discipline, and governance
. As the head of the Holy See and Vatican City state, the pope also acts as a head of state with political and diplomatic responsibilities
. Key duties of the pope include:
- Making decisions on issues of faith and morality for Catholics worldwide
- Leading major religious celebrations and masses, especially during important liturgical events such as Christmas and Easter
- Giving weekly blessings and general audiences to pilgrims and visitors at the Vatican
- Meeting regularly with bishops from around the world to discuss the state of their dioceses and church matters
- Engaging in foreign travel to meet with global leaders, promote peace, and address global issues such as climate change and humanitarian crises
- Acting as the supreme pastor, representing Christ’s love and concern for individuals and unifying the global Church while balancing the autonomy of local churches
The pope also serves as a moral and spiritual guide, building bridges with other Christian denominations and world religions, and addressing contemporary social and ethical issues
. In summary, the pope’s role is a blend of religious leadership, pastoral care, administrative governance, and diplomatic engagement, making him a central figure in both the Catholic Church and international affairs
