antipope

[ an-ti-pohp ]

noun

1. a person who is elected or claims to be pope in opposition to another held to be canonically chosen.

antipope

/ ˈæntɪˌpəʊp /

noun

1. a rival pope elected in opposition to one who has been canonically chosen

Word History and Origins

Origin of antipope¹

1570–80; anti- + pope; replacing antipape < Medieval Latin antipāpa, modeled on Antichrīstus Antichrist

Example Sentences

His successor imprisoned him to prevent any antipope instillations, and he later died in jail.

From New York Times

At one point John joined an untimely “crusade,” sailing to Flanders to fight the forces of the French antipope.

From New York Times

Other splits have led to the rise of antipopes - other men who claim to be the pope and refuse to bow to Rome.

From BBC

In the 14th century, clashes between Catholic Church leaders resulted in the election at one point of competing antipopes in France and Italy.

From Los Angeles Times

The oldest item in the show is a 12th-century parchment papal bull, signed by the reigning pope, Anastasius IV; three future popes; one future antipope; and one future saint.

From New York Times