papal

[pey-puhl]

adjective

1. of or relating to the pope or the papacy.

   a papal visit to Canada.

2. of or relating to the Roman Catholic Church.

papal

/ ˈpeɪpəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the pope or the papacy

Other Word Forms

• papally adverb
• antipapal adjective
• nonpapal adjective
• pseudopapal adjective
• unpapal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of papal¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Medieval Latin word pāpālis. See pope, -al ¹

Example Sentences

The author asserts that the Church’s teachings on immigrant dignity rest on deep biblical and theological foundations rooted in scripture and papal encyclicals, making the bishops’ position consistent with authentic Catholic doctrine.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That said, let’s shed a tiny tear for the exclusion of “Bruce Almighty,” if only because Morgan Freeman could use a little papal recognition too.

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German-born director Edward Berger, who brought his papal thriller “Conclave” to last year’s edition, returns with a strikingly different film in “Ballad of a Small Player.”

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There has been speculation over Leo's first international destination, as early papal trips often define the tone of a pontificate.

Read more on BBC

Whether the lunch becomes a footnote in papal history or a touchstone for others will depend on how religious and political leaders respond.

Read more on Salon