The pope serves as the bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, which has about 1.3 billion followers. He is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter, who was appointed by Jesus as the head of the apostles, making the pope the earthly shepherd and supreme pastor of Catholics globally

. The pope's primary roles include:

• Leading the Church in matters of faith, morals, discipline, and governance, with supreme authority over these areas

• Serving as the head of the Holy See, the central governing body of the Catholic Church, assisted by the Roman Curia

• Acting as the Vicar of Christ on earth, representing Christ's love and concern for every individual, and unifying the global Church while balancing the autonomy of local churches

• Appointing bishops and cardinals, guiding bishops worldwide, and ensuring continuity and unity in Church teaching and practice

• Engaging in diplomatic and moral leadership by meeting with global political leaders, addressing social issues such as climate change, refugee crises, and human dignity

• Promoting dialogue with other Christian denominations and other religions to foster unity and understanding

The pope also holds the dual role of head of state of the Vatican City, combining religious, political, and moral duties

. His leadership is rooted in tradition dating back to the first century and is considered essential for maintaining the faith and mission of the Catholic Church worldwide