papacy

The papacy is the office and jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome, the pope, who serves as the spiritual leader and primate of the Roman Catholic Church. The pope's responsibilities include teaching, governing, and sanctifying the faithful, and he is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter, whom Catholics regard as the first bishop of Rome and the rock on which the church is built.

Papal succession is traditionally thought to derive from Peter. The pope is elected by the College of Cardinals in a conclave and serves for life unless resignations occur. The pope exercises supreme, universal ordinary authority over the Catholic Church, though his authority is bounded by canonical law and collegial structures. Infallibility is a defined doctrinal attribute granted under specific conditions (ex cathedra statements on faith and morals, proclaimed by Vatican I, 1870).

Historically, the papacy has blended spiritual leadership with political power. At times popes ruled or influenced territories and crowned monarchs; the Avignon Papacy (14th century) and the Papal States illustrate this. The modern state of Vatican City, established by the Lateran Treaty of 1929, provides the pope with sovereignty. The papacy has played a central role in ecumenical dialogue, diplomacy, and social teaching, and has responded to reform movements within the church.

The current pope resides in Vatican City and serves as Bishop of Rome and head of the worldwide Catholic Church. The office continues to shape doctrine, liturgy, and pastoral practice while engaging with other Christian churches and religions, as well as with global issues such as poverty, peace, and human rights.