The pope is the bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, guiding over 1.3 billion Catholics globally
. His main responsibilities include:
- Religious Leadership: The pope defines and upholds Church teachings on faith and morals, resolves theological disputes, and preserves the unity of the Catholic Church
. He can call ecumenical councils to decide Church policy and appoints bishops to oversee dioceses worldwide
- Head of the Holy See and Vatican City: As head of the Holy See (the Church's central government) and sovereign of Vatican City (a small independent state within Rome), the pope governs both religious and political affairs, including administrative decisions and managing Vatican property
- Pastoral Duties: The pope conducts major religious ceremonies, such as Christmas and Easter Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica, gives weekly blessings like the Angelus prayer, and meets regularly with bishops from around the world in "ad limina" visits to discuss the status of their dioceses
- Diplomatic Role: He meets with world leaders, diplomats, and influential figures to discuss global issues such as climate change, refugee crises, and peace efforts, using his moral authority to promote social justice and interfaith dialogue
- Global Travel and Outreach: Modern popes, especially Pope Francis, frequently travel internationally to foster unity among Catholics and engage with people worldwide, emphasizing inclusivity and solidarity
In summary, the pope combines religious, political, and moral leadership as the supreme authority of the Catholic Church and the head of state of Vatican City
