pastori

Pastori is an Italian plural noun that primarily means shepherds. It is the plural form of pastore, a term derived from the Latin pastor. In addition to its literal sense, pastori can refer to clergy in Protestant contexts, where the word is used for pastors. The term is also encountered as a surname in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities.

Historically, shepherds played a central role in rural economies and social life across much of Europe. The figure of the shepherd appears in Italian literature and art as a familiar emblem of pastoral life, rural virtue, and the care of flocks. In religious contexts, shepherd imagery is common in Christian iconography and Nativity scenes, where pastori may be used to describe the humble figures who tend to sheep.

In contemporary usage, pastori retains its generic sense of shepherds in everyday Italian, while in religious settings it may denote a pastor or church leader depending on the denomination and language region. As a surname, Pastori is found among people of Italian heritage and can appear in various professional contexts.

See also: Pastor, Pastoral. While similar terms exist in other languages, the Italian pastore/pastore plural pastori specifically reflects both the occupation of shepherding and, in some contexts, clerical leadership within Protestant communities. The word thus covers a range of meanings from agricultural practitioners to religious figures, depending on context.