papal

adjective

pa·​pal ˈpā-pəl 

: of or relating to a pope or to the Roman Catholic Church

also : resembling a pope or that of a pope

papally

ˈpā-pə-lē 

adverb

Examples of papal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became the first-ever pope from the U.S., after 133 cardinals selected him from across the globe on the second day of the papal conclave in Rome on May 8. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Cardinals from around the world are at the Sistine Chapel in Rome for the papal conclave to select the new head of the Catholic Church following the April 21 death of Pope Francis. —Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been named the first American pope, selected Thursday by 133 cardinals from across the globe on the second day of the papal conclave in Rome. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

How the papal conclave works 2025 papal conclave vote: Voting for a new pope The first ballot was cast Wednesday evening (Vatican time), May 7, according to Vatican News. —Chris Sims, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin papalis, from Late Latin papa

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing papal

• anti-papal
• papal cross
• papal decree
• papal infallibility

Rhymes for papal

• maple
• staple

Kids Definition

papal

adjective

pa·​pal ˈpā-pəl 

: of or relating to the pope or the papacy

papally

-pə-lē 

adverb