Direct the Church
The word “dad” comes from the Greek “pmpups”, which means “father, patriarch”and that’s why the faithful They call him “Holy Father”.
Considered as the successor of San Pedro, whom Christ would have commissioned him to direct the Churchthe Pope is the spiritual guide of the More than 1,400 million Catholics in the world.
His role is to preserve and teach the Christian faith, Interpret the Gospel and ensure the unity of the Church.
Head of state
The Pope It has the status of head of state and directs the city of the Vaticanan independent state nestled in Rome that is also The smallest country in the world, with 44 hectares.
As head of state It exercises absolute powers (Executive, Legislative, Judicial).
He also receives the heads of state and government in the Vatican. In those meetings behind closed doors, called “private audiences”, There is talk about current issues or informed about the positions of the Holy Seea sovereign entity in international law.
Doctrine and teaching
The Pope writes documents (encyclical, apostolic exhortations, motu proprio …) on doctrinal issues and Morales to guide the faithful, guide them or record reforms.
In twelve years of pontificate, Pope Francis opened the way to the blessing of same -sex couples, He restricted the trade of masses in Latin, took measures against sexual aggressions …
He also has a teaching mission, through his speeches. In addition to the homilies of the masses, Every Wednesday morning he pronounces a public catechesis in the Vatican in front of the faithfulduring the weekly general audience.
Appointments
The Pope Approves the appointment of bishopsthat They are in charge of the dioceses of the world (currently, there are about 3 thousand).
It also creates cardinals. Of these, the minors of 80 years are called to choose their successor.
It also has the last word to ascend to the range of “blessed” or “saints” To outstanding figures of the Catholic Church, after a “process” on miracles and virtues.
It also has competencies for Convene Synods (World and Religious Meeting) To deal with precise issues.
Travel
The Pope Travel to get in touch with faithful from all over the planet. Responding to the official invitations of heads of statethe Pope makes official visits, called “apostolic.”
In this sense, the Pope who has traveled most is John Paul II, With 104 visits abroad in its 26 years of pontificatefollowed by Francisco, who made 47 trips.
These displacements give him the opportunity to renew their calls for peace, interreligious dialogue, respect for human rights and social justice; statements that serve as moral positioning and that are widespread worldwide.
Bishop of Rome
As Bishop of Rome, the Pope must administer his diocese. But, due to its other obligations, this task usually falls to a General Vicar.
However, the Pope participates in the life of the local church, visiting parishes of the Italian capital due to celebrations, or other symbolic places of the city every year, such as viacrucis in the coliseum on Good Friday or the Fiesta de la Immaculate Concepción near the Plaza de España on December 8.