papacy

noun

pa·​pa·​cy ˈpā-pə-sē 

plural papacies

1

: the office of pope

2

: a succession or line of popes

3

: the term of a pope's reign

4

capitalized : the system of government of the Roman Catholic Church of which the pope is the supreme head

Examples of papacy in a Sentence

He was selected by the cardinals for the papacy.

Recent Examples on the Web

This was in keeping with his aim during his papacy to eschew formalities and bring the Roman Catholic Church closer to the people. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025

During his papacy, Francis successfully used that authority to shift the global political agenda on important issues of social and economic justice—as well as climate change. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis tried to strip away the more ornate aspects of the role, trying to keep a little of the ordinary even in his very extraordinary job. —Lauren Frayer, NPR, 23 Apr. 2025

Prior to his papacy, bishops and cardinals typically submitted their resignations at 75. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English papacie, from Medieval Latin papatia, from Late Latin papa pope — more at pope

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing papacy

• the papacy

Kids Definition

papacy

noun

pa·​pa·​cy ˈpā-pə-sē 

plural papacies

1

: the office of pope

2

: the term of a pope's reign

3

capitalized : the government of the Roman Catholic Church of which the pope is the head