French word

pape

Pronunciation

IPA/pap/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpope

Example

Le pape a béni la foule.

The pope blessed the crowd.

Illustration for pape (pope)

More examples

Dimanche, la messe du pape a été retransmise à la télévision.

On Sunday, the Pope's Mass was broadcast on television.

Core concept

The bishop of Rome seen as the visible head of Roman Catholic life and unity.

Common phrases

  • la messe du pape

    the Pope's Mass

  • le pape de Rome

    the Pope of Rome

Similar words

pontife: A formal title for the pope.
saint-père: A respectful form of address for the pope.
évêque: A Christian bishop who governs a particular diocese.
cardinal: A senior Catholic cleric who takes part in electing the pope.

Definition in French

Autorité religieuse suprême de l'Église catholique romaine, chef spirituel et évêque de Rome élu par le conclave des cardinaux.

Word origin

French pape comes through Old French from Latin papa, a form of Greek pappas meaning 'father' that became a title for bishops and especially the bishop of Rome.

Usage tips

  • Pape is masculine despite its final e, so the usual form is le pape, not la pape.

Opposites

Related words

  • papalpapaladjective

Word lists with this word