HABEMUS PAPEM! These resources can be used with classes to help them learn about how Pope Francis was elected. Included are resources on Pope Francis, a PowerPoint, short video and details about how the Pope is elected. You can click on the words highlighted in red to get a definition of that word. There are also several links to excellent resources available on other sites. These resources have been updated during the Conclave.
Pope Francis is the 266th since St. Peter. He has a long list of titles, which give a clue to his responsibilities. Below is a list of Pope Francis’ titles:
| Pope : from ‘Papa’ or ‘Father’. | |
| Bishop of Rome | Bishop : a senior priest chosen to look after the clergy and laity of a Diocese (pronounced diosiss) on behalf of the Pope. The Diocese is also known as the See (seat) of a Bishop. |
| Vicar of Christ | Vicar : substitute (Christ’s representative on earth). |
| Successor of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles | |
| Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church | Pontiff : from the Latin word ‘pons’ meaning ‘bridge’ (between Christ and his people). |
| Patriarch of the West | Patriarch : from the Latin word ‘Patris’ meaning ‘Father’ – his responsibilities extend over a much larger area than a Diocese, sometimes including several countries. |
| Primate of Italy | Primate : the most senior Bishop of a country – usually called Cardinal. |
| Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Province of Rome | Archbishop : a Bishop who looks after a Diocese or See of special importance. |
| Metropolitan : like an Archbishop but in the Eastern Catholic Church. Rome is where East and West meet. | |
| Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City | Sovereign : Ruler, King, Monarch |
| Vatican City : The Vatican City is a country in its own right even though it is very small (about 2km square). In the political world community it operates like any other state. | |
| Servant of the Servants of God | |