Pope
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and, in Catholic belief, the successor of Saint Peter as head of the worldwide Catholic Church, holding supreme pastoral and teaching authority in communion with the college of bishops.
Successor of Saint Peter
Catholic teaching holds that Christ gave Saint Peter a unique position of authority among the Apostles, and that this authority has passed down through an unbroken line of Bishops of Rome ever since. The Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals in a conclave, traditionally continuing until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
Teaching and Governing Authority
As head of the Church, the Pope has authority to teach on faith and morals, govern the Church's structure and law, and speak for Catholics worldwide on major moral and doctrinal questions. Under specific, rarely invoked conditions, the Church holds that the Pope teaches infallibly when formally defining a matter of faith or morals for the whole Church.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pope considered infallible in everything he says?
No. Papal infallibility applies only to formal, deliberate declarations on faith or morals intended to bind the whole Church, a power invoked only a handful of times in history — not to personal opinions, interviews, or everyday remarks.
How is a new Pope chosen?
Cardinals under the age of eighty gather in a conclave at the Vatican and vote in secret ballots until one candidate receives at least two-thirds support, a process that can take anywhere from a single day to several weeks.