The Pope

This was also written by my friend Megan Francis (she's one of the co-writers for the Marist Chapel Newsletter). I will be taking her articles every now and then and posting them here for your enjoyment.

Last April, the United States had the privilege of getting to host the Holy Father, Pope Benedict the Sixteenth in our nation. Streets were closed off and people stopped their usual activities to watch and listen to the pope visit the White House, United Nations and celebrate mass at Yankee Stadium, and throughout Manhattan. After realizing the year anniversary of the pope’s visit quickly approaching, I began to wonder…besides representing God on Earth, what does the pope actually do?

After doing a little research, I found some interesting answers: the pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church, which claims 1.07 billion followers worldwide — more than 17 percent of the world's population — including 67.2 million in the United States.

Besides assuming that title, his responsibilities are very similar to those of an American President. He is the head of Vatican City, the world's smallest nation, which is surrounded by the city of Rome. Covering 108 acres, Vatican City is about one-fifth the size of Seattle's Discovery Park and was listed last year as having a population of 921.

He is the bishop of Rome, and leads and governs the church. With the aid of his staff and church offices, he makes policy and pastoral decisions, including appointing bishops, regulating liturgical practices and managing church finances.

I found some interesting facts about popes while on my search as well: for instance, the title pope stems from the Greek word papas, which simply means 'father.' Early in Christian history it was used as a formal title expressing affectionate respect for any bishop and sometimes even priests.

Of the 265 popes 205 were Italians, (of whom 106 were Romans), and 57 foreigners; comprised of 19 Frenchmen, 14 Greeks, 8 Syrians, 6 Germans, 3 Africans, 2 Spaniards, 1 Austrian, 1 Palestinian, 1 Englishman, 1 Dutchman, and 1 Pole.

The most commonly used name is John (23 times), followed by Gregory (16 times), Benedict (16 times); 43 names were used only once. Only two Popes have taken two names; John Paul I and II. Poe Leo, St. Leo I (the Great) (440 - 461) the first pope to explicitly claim authority over the entire Christian Church, East and West.

Though popes’ every action and decision are not covered as heavily by the media as the presidents’ are, popes certainly have duties which are worthy of just as much attention!