What is the title of the head of the Roman Catholic Church?

The title of the head of the Roman Catholic Church is Pope. This position carries significant spiritual and administrative responsibility, as the Pope serves as the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. The Pope is regarded as the spiritual successor to Saint Peter, whom Catholics believe was appointed by Jesus as the leader of his disciples. The role encompasses not only overseeing church doctrine and practice but also representing the Church in ecumenical relations and addressing global issues from a Catholic perspective.

Other titles listed, such as Archbishop, Cardinal, and Monsignor, denote different ranks and roles within the Church’s hierarchy. An Archbishop leads an archdiocese and can oversee a group of dioceses, while a Cardinal is a high-ranking church official, often involved in advising the Pope and electing a new Pope during a conclave. A Monsignor is an honorific title bestowed on certain priests, often indicating special service to the Church. However, none of these titles equate to the supreme authority and leadership encapsulated by the title of Pope.