Plural of pope; the heads of the Roman Catholic Church, or any important spiritual leaders.
From Greek 'pappas' or 'papa' (father), derived from Latin 'papa.' Originally used as a title of respect for any senior priest, but became associated with the Bishop of Rome.
Popes were so politically powerful during the medieval period that they crowned emperors and commanded armies—the Pope still rules Vatican City as an independent nation-state today.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.