Patron Saint of Popes

Category: Clergy & Religious Life

In Catholic tradition, patron saints are holy men and women whose lives and intercession are considered especially suited to particular needs, groups, or situations. The Church's practice of invoking saints reflects the doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the faithful departed remain united with the living in the one Body of Christ and can intercede before God on our behalf.

The designation of a patron saint for "Popes" reflects centuries of Catholic popular devotion and, in many cases, formal proclamations by popes or bishops recognizing a saint's particular connection to this intention through the circumstances of their life, death, or documented miracles.

Patron Saint of Popes

Formally proclaimed patronage — sourced from canonized saints in the Roman Calendar.

Primary Patron
Saints Peter and Paul

Feast Day
June 29

Saints Peter and Paul is invoked as patron of popes. The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is one of the oldest and highest feasts of the Roman Calendar, attested in the Depositio Martyrum of 354. It celebrates the two principal Apostles, both martyred at Rome under the persecution of the Emperor Nero, traditionally dated to the year 67.Saint Peter, born Simon son of John at Bethsaida, was a fisherman of Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee, brother of Saint Andrew. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20060517.html.

Read full biography of Saints Peter and Paul →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of popes?

Saints Peter and Paul is the primary patron saint of popes. Their feast day is June 29.

What is a patron saint?

A patron saint is a holy man or woman canonized by the Church whose life and heavenly intercession are considered especially powerful for particular needs, groups, or situations. Catholics ask patron saints to intercede — to pray to God on their behalf — drawing on the doctrine of the Communion of Saints.

How do I ask for Peter and Paul's intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Peter and Paul, pray for us." You may also light a candle, attend Mass on their feast day, or make a novena — nine days of consecutive prayer — asking for their help before a particular need.