papal

Definition of papalnext

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of papal The original investigation spawned two main tangents involving Becciu, once a leading Vatican cardinal and future papal contender. Nicole Winfield The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026 All defendants maintained their innocence and appealed after a two-year trial that opened a pandora’s box of unwanted revelations about papal ransom payments to Islamic militants, Vatican vendettas, espionage and other dirty laundry of the Holy See. Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 Ten months after taking office, Pope Leo XIV on Saturday finally moved into his apartments in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, a historic papal residence that his predecessor had eschewed. CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026 As a result, the consecration of bishops without papal consent is considered a grave threat to church unity and a cause of schism, since bishops can ordain new priests. Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for papal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for papal
Adjective
  • This year there was the addition of a new episcopal area for Burundi and Rwanda and the appointment of nine new bishops, a reversal of the trend among U.S. bishops.
    Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Haller Suites & Restaurant offers a dining experience with panoramic views over the episcopal town.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The bishops further authorized a new edition of the Roman Pontifical for pontifical Masses, expected to be completed by 2027, with Vatican approval pending for some rites, according to the Catholic News Agency.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025
  • In its report, the pontifical commission highlights failures in the Italian church.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Like his apostolic namesake, Thomas believes unquestioningly in the evidence of his senses.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The ceremony will be presided over by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States.
    Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Experts are split on the subject, but Alfoneh argued the key differences will be a greater stress on Iranian nationalism and less concern with the puritanical social policies of the clerical government.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr will replace Ali Larijani, whose death in Israeli strikes last week was a major blow to the ruling clerical regime.
    Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Shah, who is the RSP’s prime ministerial candidate, won the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral race.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The government planned to set up an emergency economic task force, led by Kim, to coordinate cross-ministerial efforts, the prime minister said at a press briefing, according to Yonhap News Agency.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Lopez’s thoughts turned to those who may have strayed from the faith, the priestly role in bringing them back and the importance of Christmas in perhaps sparking that return.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
  • Full priestly duties June through October, combined with driving up and down the mountain, had been a stretch.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Hegseth frequently invokes his evangelical faith as head of the armed forces, depicting a Christian nation trying to vanquish its foes with military might.
    Tiffany Stanley, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The evangelical pastor, who also works as a mason, arrived in Tapachula in August 2024.
    Edgar H. Clemente, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Prosperity is lauded dozens of times in the Book of Mormon, so knocking for commissions can feel almost sacerdotal.
    Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2022
  • Diminution drains this office of the sacerdotal pomposities that have encrusted it.
    Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, 1 Aug. 2017

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Cite this Entry

“Papal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papal. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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