Holy Father?

[Guest Guest]

I was just reading through the Q&A section and I saw that you refer to the Pope as your Holy Father. I thought God was the only one worthy of being referred to as Holy Father. What role does the Pope actually play in your lives, is he some kind of deity?

[Pontifex]

If you have read the responses, then you know that we refer to the Pope as the Vicar of Christ. He is Christ's representive on Earth. No, he is not a deity, and no Catholic that knows their faith would claim it so.

It is a sticking point though. God is Our Father, to call the Pope the Holy Father takes nothing away from God's grandeur. It is a term of paternal affection, and of respect for a man who leads the body of Christ, like Peter did.

I hope this helps.

Fr. Pontifex