Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun Used as a title and form of address for the pope.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • proper noun The God in various Christian religions.
  • proper noun The title of the Pope of the Catholic Church.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun the head of the Roman Catholic Church

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word Holy Father.

Examples

  • Not even the Holy Father would disagree with that.

    Motu Proprio "Ecclesiae Unitatem" - in English 2009

  • And now, Holy Father, we are ready and willing, to listen and attend to what You have to say to us.

    Archive 2008-02-17 papabear 2008

  • Since the Holy Father is aware of what is at stake with the Orthodox, I would think that he is sensitive to any sort of misinterpretation that might arise through the exercise of his office.

    Archive 2008-04-13 papabear 2008

  • Now the Holy Father is well aware of the doctrine of the Church which says that the ultimate responsibility lies with the appropriate civilian authority, exercising their prudential judgement.

    Holy War 2007

  • Yet when we arrived in Baku, and as we spent a day or so there with the pope, by the thousands, by the thousands they came to the streets to welcome this Holy Father, who at that time, it was only a few years ago, could barely speak.

    CNN Transcript Apr 2, 2005 2005

  • It is a moment anticipated by countless prayers, brought forward by countless hands, and shaped very much by you, Holy Father, and your 20-year pilgrimage.

    Remarks By President And His Holiness Pope John Paul Ii ITY National Archives 1999

  • All this has been an answer to many, many prayers around the world, but many of them were led by you, Holy Father, and for that, you have the gratitude of all the American people.

    Pope And President Remarks At Newark Airport ITY National Archives 1995

  • O Lord, Holy Father, who by anointing with oil didst of old make and consecrate kings, priests, and prophets, to teach and govern thy people Israel: bless and sanctify thy chosen servant George, who by our office and ministry is now to be anointed with this oil, and consecrated King of this realm: strengthen him, O Lord, with the

    Coronation Anecdotes Giles Gossip

  • "Why, the bear, your Reverence, -- the bear, Holy Father, who attacked your worshipful person while you were meditating on the top of yonder mountain."

    The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 12, No. 72, October, 1863 Various

  • After the meeting, the secretaries report to the Holy Father, who may ratify the decision or remand the question for further consideration.

    The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 2: Assizes-Browne 1840-1916 1913

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.