Image via Fabrizio Maffei / Shutterstock.

On The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick takes a call from Jerry in Nashville, who asks a common but important question: “Why do Catholics call the Pope ‘Holy Father’ if he’s just a man like everyone else?” Patrick explains that the title “Father” comes from Scripture itself – in 1 Corinthians 4:15, St. Paul calls himself a spiritual father through the Gospel. The term “holy,” Patrick notes, doesn’t mean sinless, but “set apart for God,” as seen in 2 Peter 1:21, which refers to “holy men of God.” The Pope, as successor of St. Peter, is set apart for the spiritual care of Christ’s Church, which is why Catholics traditionally call him “Holy Father.”

Patrick also shares how this title developed over centuries in the early Church, emphasizing reverence for the papal office rather than personal perfection. We pray for Pope Leo to continue to guide our Church with joy, courage, and faith. 

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Image via Fabrizio Maffei / Shutterstock.
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On The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick takes a call from Jerry in Nashville, who asks a common but important question: &ldquo;Why do Catholics call the Pope &lsquo;Holy Father&rsquo; if he&rsquo;s just a man like everyone else?&rdquo; Patrick explains that the title &ldquo;Father&rdquo; comes from Scripture itself &ndash; in&nbsp;1 Corinthians 4:15, St. Paul calls himself a spiritual father through the Gospel. The term &ldquo;holy,&rdquo; Patrick notes, doesn&rsquo;t mean sinless, but &ldquo;set apart for God,&rdquo; as seen in 2 Peter 1:21, which refers to &ldquo;holy men of God.&rdquo; The Pope, as successor of St. Peter, is set apart for the spiritual care of Christ&rsquo;s Church, which is why Catholics traditionally call him &ldquo;Holy Father.&rdquo;
Patrick also shares how this title developed over centuries in the early Church, emphasizing reverence for the papal office rather than personal perfection. We pray for Pope Leo to continue to guide our Church with joy, courage, and faith.&nbsp;
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The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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