The Vatican Leaders are the highest authority in the Catholic Church. They are known as Pontiffs (8 letters) and POPES (5 letters). The Pontiff is the title given to the Bishop of Rome, who is the leader of the Catholic Church. The Pope is the title given to the Bishop of Rome when he is elected by the College of Cardinals. The Pope is the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and has the authority to make decisions on matters of faith and morals.