New Delhi: The word 'pope' is derived from the Latin word 'papa' meaning father. In the Catholic Church, the Pope is regarded as the successor of St. Peter, the Apostle. St Peter was named by Jesus Christ as the shepherd and rock of the Catholic Church.
The Pope is also the head of state of Vatican City, a sovereign city-state within the Italian capital of Rome.
Popes in ancient times helped in the spread of Chritianity and the resolution of doctrinal disputes. In the Middle Ages, they worked as arbitrators between christian kings.
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