Holy Father

American

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

a title of the pope.

Holy Father British

noun

RC Church a title of the pope

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Holy Father

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So I asked the cardinal to thank the Holy Father for his confidence in me and to assure him that I would do the job with all my heart.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

The Holy Father specifically highlighted the suffering of civilians in Gaza, calling for an immediate end to violence and renewed efforts toward peace.

From Salon • Dec. 25, 2025

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Farrell’s statement released by the Vatican read.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2025

Father Claudio, who was visiting St Peter's Square from Angola, said: "The situation that we find the Holy Father in, that he is so ill, truly it is a very great worry at this moment."

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2025

He always made sure his kids never got into trouble, was concerned about money, and trusted the providence of the Holy Father to do the rest.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023