Papal

/ˈpeɪ.pəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Of or relating to the Pope or the papacy.

The papal visit to the country was met with great enthusiasm.

Characteristic of the authority or teachings of the Pope.

The church implemented several papal decrees aimed at reforming policies.

Relating to the Roman Catholic Church.

The papal vestments were elaborately designed for the ceremony.

From Latin 'papalis', from 'papa', meaning 'father' (the title of the Pope).

papal bull:

An official letter or document issued by the Pope.

papal visit:

A trip made by the Pope to a country or region.

papal authority:

The power or jurisdiction of the Pope.

Used to describe someone acting with excessive authority.

Don't be so papal about the rules; it's just a game.

Describing something very formal or official.

That meeting had a real papal vibe to it.