Why Do We Call the Pope "Our Holy Father?" (The Patrick Madrid Show)
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Image via Fabrizio Maffei / Shutterstock.
On The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick takes a call from Jerry in Nashville, who asks a common but important question: “Why do Catholics call the Pope ‘Holy Father’ if he’s just a man like everyone else?” Patrick explains that the title “Father” comes from Scripture itself – in 1 Corinthians 4:15 , St. Paul calls himself a spiritual father through the Gospel. The term “holy,” Patrick notes, doesn’t mean sinless, but “set apart for God,” as seen in 2 Peter 1:21 , which refers to “holy men of God.” The Pope, as successor of St. Peter, is set apart for the spiritual care of Christ’s Church, which is why Catholics traditionally call him “Holy Father.”
Patrick also shares how this title developed over centuries in the early Church, emphasizing reverence for the papal office rather than personal perfection. We pray for Pope Leo to continue to guide our Church with joy, courage, and faith.
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