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

Many pilgrims hailed it as a sign of welcome following Pope Francis’ 12-year papacy, while critics in Catholic media blasted the move as undermining church tradition. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Dorantes took the Tribune on a tour of the Borgo Laudato Si’ in May, shortly after the start of Pope Leo’s papacy. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

Martin was named a Vatican adviser during Pope Francis’s papacy and met with him multiple times, according to the Associated Press. —Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2025

Since his papacy began in May, the pope has been robust in his criticisms of Israel’s war in Gaza, consistently voicing his concern for Palestinian civilians facing Israeli bombardment. —Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 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