What is the role of the Pope in the Catholic Church?

The role of the Pope in the Catholic Church is that of a spiritual leader and the supreme authority regarding matters of faith and morals. This is rooted in the belief that the Pope, as the Bishop of Rome, is the successor to Saint Peter, who was appointed by Jesus as the leader of His disciples. The Pope's responsibilities encompass guiding the faithful in their spiritual lives, defining doctrines, and making decisions on theological issues, which are critical for maintaining the unity and integrity of Catholic teachings.

This position not only involves administrative tasks but also carries the profound responsibility of interpreting and teaching the faith to millions of Catholics worldwide. The Pope's decisions and teachings are considered to carry significant weight, as they are viewed as being inspired by divine guidance.

While there are aspects of the Pope's role that involve diplomacy, overseeing churches, and teaching, these functions serve to support the primary role of the Pope as the ultimate spiritual authority on matters of faith and morals within the Church.