Historically, the term Pope (from the Latin papa, meaning father) was not used exclusively for the Pope in Rome. In the early centuries of Christianity, it was a more general title for respected bishops, especially in the Eastern Christian world.
For example, in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the term Pope has been used to refer to the Patriarch of Alexandria. The title “Pope of Alexandria” is still used today for the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The term initially emphasized the paternal role of a bishop as a spiritual father to his community.
However, over time, as the Bishop of Rome’s authority became more centralized and influential in the Western Church, the title Pope became closely associated with him. By around the 11th century, with the growth of papal power and influence, the term became almost exclusively linked to the Bishop of Rome, who is now known as the leader of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church.
Note: The earliest record of the use of the title of ‘pope’ was in regard to the by-then-deceased patriarch of Alexandria, Heraclas (232–248).
The term “Roman Catholic Church” began to appear in English texts in the post-Reformation period, but its historical roots are complex. The first written record of the term in English dates back to the 17th century, when Protestant writers used it to distinguish those Christians who remained loyal to the Pope from other groups, such as Anglicans or Protestants.
However, earlier instances of phrases like “Catholic Church” (without “Roman”) go back much further. The term “Catholic” (meaning “universal”) was used by early Church Fathers like Ignatius of Antioch around 107 AD. In his letter to the Smyrnaeans, Ignatius wrote about the “Catholic Church” to refer to the worldwide community of Christian believers.
The “Roman” aspect came later, as theological and political developments, especially after the Protestant Reformation, led to more frequent usage to emphasize the church’s connection to Rome and its Papal authority. Thus, while “Catholic Church” has ancient origins, “Roman Catholic Church” as a formal phrase came into common use in the 16th to 17th centuries.