antipope

noun

an·​ti·​pope ˈan-ti-ˌpōp 

: one elected or claiming to be pope in opposition to the pope canonically chosen

Examples of antipope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Almost as soon as Pope Francis became the head of the Roman Catholic church in 2013, Raymond Burke, an American cardinal, emerged as his leading critic from within the church, becoming a de facto antipope for frustrated traditionalists who believed Francis was diluting doctrine. —Ruth Graham, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023

The oldest item in the show is a 12th-century parchment papal bull, signed by the reigning pope, Anastasius IV; three future popes; one future antipope; and one future saint. —Jennifer Schuessler, New York Times, 12 July 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English antepope, from Middle French antipape, from Medieval Latin antipapa, from anti- + papa pope

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above