Many people wonder why Catholics address the Pope as the Holy Father. It’s not a title of power or distance, but of deep spiritual meaning. When we call him the Holy Father, we’re recognizing his unique role as a shepherd who guides the family of God on earth — not by human authority alone, but by the love of Christ that flows through him.
In Scripture, the word father often refers to spiritual leadership and care. St. Paul called himself a father to the believers in Corinth, saying, “I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15). The Pope’s title echoes that same reality — he is the successor of St. Peter, entrusted by Jesus with the words: “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). As Peter was the visible leader of Christ’s flock, so too the Pope serves as a fatherly presence for the whole Church.
The word holy in his title does not mean the Pope is perfect or divine — it points to his sacred mission. He is set apart for the service of God’s people, called to live in holiness and lead others toward it. The Church calls him Holy Father not because of his personal merits, but because of the holy office he holds, representing Christ’s love and truth to the world.
For many of us, the Pope reminds us that faith is not lived in isolation. Like a father, he teaches, corrects, comforts, and encourages the Church to remain united in Christ. When we pray for him, we’re really praying for the whole family of believers he leads — that together, we may walk faithfully in the love of God.
May we see in the Holy Father not a distant figure, but a living sign of the Lord’s care — a reminder that God continues to shepherd His Church through love and service.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
