Pope

The **Pope** is the head of the Roman Catholic Church in religious contexts and, politically, the head of state or sovereign of the Vatican City State, formerly the Papal States. The 2025 papal conclave elected Leo XIV.

The Pope is elected by Cardinals. While any Catholic male in good standing with the church is considered eligible for the papacy, in practice the Pope is selected from amongst the college. Once they are elected, the Pope holds the position for life, or until he voluntarily resigns. In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI was the first Pope to resign in over 500 years. The Pope can’t be an organ donor.

A newly elected Pope chooses a regnal name, separate from his baptismal or birth name.

The title _Pope_ is derived from the Greek word _pappas_, meaning "father". Catholic doctrine holds that when making statements _ex cathedra_, that is official statements teaching about faith and morals, the Pope is _infallible_ - which means God will not allow his followers to be misled by allowing their leader to make a false statement.

In the modern era, Popes are considered world leaders who travel on diplomatic missions- preaching as well as serving as a government representative of the Holy See. The Holy See is also represented by the apostolic nuncio, similar to an ambassador.

As head of the Holy See, the Pope is protected by the Swiss Guard and Vatican Gendarmerie, and is considered a citizen of Vatican City.

## Recent popes

Recent Popes, and their tenures:
- Pope John XXIII, 1958-1963
- Pope Paul VI, 1963-1978
- Pope John Paul I, 1978
- Pope John Paul II, 1978-2005
- Pope Benedict XVI, 2005-2013
- Pope Francis, 2013-2025
- Pope Leo XIV, 2025-Present

## The Popes in Avignon

During parts of the Middle Ages, the French kings had a lot of influence in Europe. For this reason, seven popes (and two anti-popes) lived in Avignon, rather than Rome. The Avignon Papacy was from 1309 to 1377. During that time, the popes were known for their greed and corruption. These popes were allies of France; the enemies of France were also their enemies.

The Bishops of Rome who lived in Avignon were:
1. Pope Clement V: 1305–1314
1. Pope John XXII: 1316–1334
1. Pope Benedict XII: 1334–1342
1. Pope Clement VI: 1342–1352
1. Pope Innocent VI: 1352–1362
1. Pope Urban V: 1362–1370
1. Pope Gregory XI: 1370–1378

Two antipopes were based in Avignon as well:
- Clement VII: 1378–1394
- Benedict XIII: 1394–1423 (expelled from Avignon in 1403)

Antipopes were people that were elected by small groups who did not like the official choice.
Catherine of Siena convinced pope Gregory XI to move back to Rome. Unfortunately, he died shortly after moving. The cardinals then elected Urban VI to be the next pope. The French cardinals did not recognise this election as legitimate. They declared the papal see as vacant; which led to the Western Schism. The schism lasted until the Council of Constance in 1417. During this time, there was a pope in Rome, an Antipope in Avignon, and for some time, a second antipope. Each of the three was recognised as legitimate pope by different European powers. This led to a big split in the church as a whole. The council elected Pope Martin V as a new pope, recognised by all parties.

## Related pages

- List of popes
- Abdication
- _Habemus Papam_
- Papal name
- Papal tiara

## Infobox (diocese)

- **jurisdiction**: Bishop
- **name**: Rome
- **local**: Pope
- **latin**: Pontifex maximus
- **border**: Catholic
- **coat**: Emblem of the Papacy SE.svg
- **coat size**: 100px
- **coat alt**: Emblem of the Holy See and Vatican City
- **coat caption**: Emblem of the Holy See
- **image**: Leo XIV (13 October 2025).jpg
- **caption**: Pope Leo XIV in 2025
- **incumbent**: Pope Leo XIV
- **incumbent note**: since 8 May 2025
- **style**: His Holiness
- **province**: List of Catholic dioceses (structured view)#Episcopal Conference of Italy, including San Marino and Vatican City State, Ecclesiastical Province of Rome
- **residence**: * Apostolic Palace (official papal residence)
- **established**: Timeline of the Catholic Church, 1st century
- **cathedral**: Cathedral Archbasilica of St John Lateran
- **first incumbent**: Saint Peter
- **denomination**: Catholic Church
- **diocese**: Diocese of Rome, Rome
- **headquarters**: Apostolic Palace, Vatican City
- **governance**: Holy See
- **website**: [https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/index.htm vatican.va/holyfather]
- **country**: Vatican City