Black Pope

English

Etymology

From the simple black vestments worn by the Superior General, in contrast to the Pope's white vestments.

Noun

Black Pope (plural Black Popes)

1. (usually considered derogatory) The Superior General of the Society of Jesus.
   • 2008, Jeff Israely, “Jesuits to Elect a New 'Black Pope' ”, in Time Magazine:

     But just down the block from St. Peter's Square, church elders — though not all so old, and without a Cardinal among them — have begun gathering for a closed-door meeting to elect the man dubbed the "black pope".