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

The length of Leo’s meeting with survivors – almost three hours is long for any papal meeting – reflects the scale of the crisis. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

The story unfolds amid the frenzy surrounding an impending papal visit. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025

Queen Camilla’s monochrome attire and choice of mantilla fall under papal protocol, requiring women who meet with the pope to wear black and a veil, symbolizing respect and modesty. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

Queen Camilla, who was also dressed in traditional black attire and a lace veil (mantilla), as is customary for papal audiences, stood alongside Pope Leo XIV and King Charles at the San Damaso Courtyard. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 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