What is a Pope?
A pope is the Bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the head of the independent and sovereign state of Vatican City. The person holding the office of the pope is always male, although there have been rumors to the contrary, a priest who has risen through the ranks to the status of a cardinal, and well-versed in theological doctrine and dogma. Historically, with one or two probable exceptions, the pope has always been white — there were three popes from Africa, but their races are not certain). The faithful believe him to be the successor of an office originated by Saint Peter himself, one of Christ’s twelve apostles.
