“Pope St. John Paul II, Pope St. Pius V, Pope St. Pius X, etc. are the proper formal construction for popes who are saints,” says Colin Donovan, EWTN’s vice president of theology. The Vatican uses this title officially.
“Why? It seems to me that the papal office is of greater consequence than the holiness of a single individual, and thus a greater title. It is a unique exercise of Christ’s own supreme authority as priest, prophet and king and doesn’t depend on the pope’s goodness, nor is it depreciated by his sinfulness. It depends solely on Christ and on his promises to the Church.”
Have you always wondered about some aspect of the faith? Or maybe you’d like to know some trivia about Pope Francis. If you do, email us your question at editor@ewtn.com and look for the answer in an upcoming issue.