German word

Papst

Pronunciation

IPA/paːpst/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpope

Example

Der Papst segnet die Pilger.

The pope blesses the pilgrims.

Illustration for Papst (pope)

More examples

Während der Audienz gratulierten die Gläubigen dem Papst lautstark.

During the audience, the faithful loudly congratulated the pope.

Core concept

A senior Catholic church leader at the center of a public blessing in Rome.

Common phrases

  • der amtierende Papst

    the incumbent pope

  • ein Besuch des Papstes

    a visit by the pope

  • Papst Franziskus

    Pope Francis

Similar words

Bischof: A church leader who governs a diocese and oversees its priests.
Priester: A religious official who leads worship and performs the sacraments.

Definition in German

Bezeichnung für das Oberhaupt der römisch-katholischen Kirche; der Bischof von Rom.

Word origin

Papst is borrowed from Latin papa, meaning 'father', ultimately from Greek pappas, through earlier German forms.

Usage tips

  • Papst is masculine: der Papst, den Papst, and the plural die Päpste.

Related words

Word lists with this word