A pope is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, one of the largest Christian denominations in the world. The pope lives in Vatican City, a tiny independent country within Rome, Italy, and serves as both a spiritual guide and administrator for over a billion Catholics worldwide.

Catholics believe the pope is the successor of Saint Peter, whom Jesus chose to lead his followers. This makes the position deeply significant: when the pope speaks on certain matters of faith and morals, Catholics consider his teachings authoritative. The pope also appoints bishops, makes decisions about church doctrine, and represents the Catholic Church in conversations with other religious leaders and world governments.

Becoming pope isn't hereditary or elected by regular voting. When a pope dies or resigns, cardinals (high-ranking church officials) from around the world gather in the Vatican for a secret meeting called a conclave. They vote repeatedly until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority. When they've chosen a new pope, white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, signaling to the waiting crowds that a decision has been made.

Popes often take new names when elected, choosing names of previous popes or saints they admire.