In a general sense, the Pope is the Earthly leader of the Catholic church. As such, he exists to lead and inspire Christians, particularly Catholics, to follow Christ in every decision they make.
AnswerThe pope is regarded as the successor of St Peter. As one of the apostles, Peter was subject to the same privileges and obligations as the other apostles (equivalent to a Catholic bishop today).However in addition to this according to the Gospel according to St. Matthew (Ch 16) Jesus gave the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to Peter alone. As key-holder to the Kingdom of Heaven where Christ is King the role of St Peter and his successors is to provide access to the benefits of the Kingdom of Heaven for those authorised to receive them ("feed my lambs", "feed my sheep"). In order to create harmony between heaven and earth Scripture also provides that whatever he binds or looses on earth, apparently in the execution of this duty, will also be bound or loosed in heaven.
AnswerThe most important duty is to guide and support the whole of the Church. He is the Leader of the Church.The pope preservesthe institution of the catholic church.
He is the sheppard to his flock,Catholics around the world and the Bishop of Rome(the Vatican)
make sure all churches ran smothly
The Pope is the sucessor of St. peter the Apostle, the first Pope. Authority was given by Jesus Christ to St. peter and all his true sucessors over God's one true Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. The Pope makes imortant decisions for the well being of the Church.
The Pope appionts new bishops and cardinals, he creates dioceses, performs Mass and names Saints. He also represents the Catholic Church and the Vatican.
Benedict is currently (April 2013) retired and has no official responsibilities in the governance of the Catholic Church.
To lead God's church on earth.
Francis has only been pope for a few shortyears. It is much too early to judge him and his reign until he has had time to adjust to his new responsibilities.
Pope Francis is pope number 266.
Since Pope Francis is the first and only pope by that name, there is no need for a number after his name. If a pope in the future also decides to take the name Francis, he will become Pope Francis II and then the original Pope Francis will become Pope Francis I.
Pope Francis is the reigning pope in 2013.
Only Pope Francis and God know what Pope Francis thinks.
No, Pope Francis does not smoke.
Pope Francis has not been succeeded at the time of this answer.
Pope Francis I is from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Pope Francis was elected pope in the Sistine Chapel.
The current Pope Francis is from Argentina.
Pope Francis, elected in 2013, is the 266th pope.
He is in Vatican City.