The pope ( Latin : papa from Greek: πάππας pappas, a child 's word for " father "), also known as the supreme pontiff (from Latin pontifex maximus "greatest bridge -builder"), is the Bishop of Rome, and therefore ex officio the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. The primacy of the Roman bishop is largely derived from his role as the supposed apostolic successor to Saint Peter, to whom Jesus is said to have given the Keys of Heaven and the powers of "binding and loosing", naming him as the "rock" upon which the church would be built. Since the 1860s, the pope is also head of state of Vatican City, a sovereign city -state entirely enclaved within Rome. The current pope is Francis, who was elected on 13 March 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI.
The office of the pope is the papacy. His ecclesiastical jurisdiction, the Diocese of Rome, is often called the " Holy See " or the "Apostolic See", the latter name being based on the belief that the Bishop of Rome is the apostolic successor to Saint Peter. The pope is considered one of the world 's most powerful people because of his diplomatic and cultural influence.
The papacy is one of the most enduring institutions in the world and has had a prominent part in world history. The popes in ancient times helped in the spread of Christianity, and the resolution of various doctrinal disputes. In the Middle Ages, they played a role of secular importance in Western Europe, often acting as arbitrators between Christian monarchs. Currently, in addition to the expansion of the Christian faith and doctrine, the popes are involved in ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, charitable work, and the defense of human rights.
