The term "papal" refers to anything related to the Pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. This includes matters of doctrine, authority, and the various activities and responsibilities that the Pope undertakes. The Pope is considered the spiritual leader for Catholics worldwide and plays a significant role in guiding the Church's teachings and practices. Papal authority is often expressed through official documents, known as papal encyclicals, which communicate important messages to the Church and its followers. Additionally, the term can describe the governance of the Church, including the Vatican City, which serves as the Pope's residence and the administrative center of the Catholic Church.