Glossary of Terms Related to Pope Francis
Apostolic Exhortation
An official document issued by Pope Francis, such as Evangelii Gaudium, providing guidance to Catholics on matters of faith and morality.
Canonization
The official declaration by the Pope recognizing a deceased person as a saint; Pope Francis famously canonized Mother Teresa, Pope John XXIII, and Pope John Paul II.
Conclave
The secret meeting of Cardinals convened to elect a new Pope. Pope Francis was elected during the 2013 conclave.
Dicastery
Administrative departments within the Vatican responsible for various aspects of church governance; Pope Francis reformed several dicasteries to streamline Vatican operations.
Encyclical
A papal letter addressing important doctrinal issues. Pope Francis’s prominent encyclicals include Laudato Si' (environmental concerns) and Fratelli Tutti (fraternity and social friendship).
Holy See
The central governing authority of the Roman Catholic Church, led by Pope Francis, based in Vatican City.
Jesuit (Society of Jesus)
A Catholic religious order known for education, intellectual rigor, and social justice, to which Pope Francis belongs—the first Jesuit pope in history.
Laudato Si'
Pope Francis’s influential encyclical on environmental stewardship, emphasizing climate change, sustainability, and care for creation.
Papal Audience
Regular public gatherings where Pope Francis delivers teachings, meets pilgrims, and blesses the faithful in St. Peter’s Square or Vatican Audience Hall.
Papal Bull
An official papal decree, historically sealed with a leaden "bulla." While less common today, Pope Francis occasionally issues similar official proclamations.
Papal Coat of Arms
Symbolic emblem unique to each Pope; Pope Francis’s coat of arms prominently includes symbols reflecting mercy, humility, and Jesuit tradition.
Papal Infallibility
Doctrine stating the Pope is free from error when solemnly defining matters of faith or morals; rarely invoked, Pope Francis has not exercised infallibility.
Pontificate
The term of office or reign of a pope; Pope Francis's pontificate began on March 13, 2013.
Social Doctrine of the Church
Catholic teachings on economic and social justice, heavily promoted by Pope Francis, advocating for the poor, marginalized, and environmental responsibility.
Synod of Bishops
An assembly called by Pope Francis to discuss pastoral concerns and guide church policy; Francis notably expanded the participation of laypeople in synods.
Urbi et Orbi
Latin for "to the city and the world," a traditional papal blessing given by Pope Francis at Easter, Christmas, and upon his election.
Vatican II (Second Vatican Council)
Historic council (1962-1965) modernizing the Catholic Church. Pope Francis frequently references Vatican II teachings to guide church reform.
Year of Mercy (Jubilee Year)
A special holy year proclaimed by Pope Francis (2015–2016) emphasizing mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation across the global church.