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Synonyms

Holy Father

American  

noun

Roman Catholic Church.
  1. a title of the pope.


Holy Father British  

noun

  1. RC Church a title of the pope

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Holy Father

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“To be a just war it must be a defense against another who actively wages war, which is what the Holy Father actually said,” Massa said in a statement following Vance’s comments.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 26, 2026

So I asked the cardinal to thank the Holy Father for his confidence in me and to assure him that I would do the job with all my heart.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 26, 2026

The Holy Father specifically highlighted the suffering of civilians in Gaza, calling for an immediate end to violence and renewed efforts toward peace.

From Salon Dec. 25, 2025

As I reflect on the life and legacy of our beloved Holy Father, my heart is deeply moved by the profound love and compassion he showed for his people.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 24, 2025

He always made sure his kids never got into trouble, was concerned about money, and trusted the providence of the Holy Father to do the rest.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride

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