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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →When speaking directly to Pope Leo XIV, say “Your Holiness.” In a formal letter, use “Your Holiness:” as the salutation; on the envelope, write “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.” Formal government or institutional occasions may follow local protocol.
How to address the Pope in person
Use “Your Holiness” when speaking directly to Pope Leo XIV. The Catholic Diocese of Arlington also recommends this form as a letter salutation in its guidance on addressing clergy and religious.
How to address a letter to Pope Leo XIV
Salutation
Begin with “Your Holiness:” This is a straightforward formal option given by the Diocese of Arlington.
Envelope
Write “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV” as the addressee. This updates the Arlington guide’s older example, which names Pope Francis. The guide gives Vatican City State as the destination, but check current mailing instructions independently before sending; the cited sources do not establish that a letter will reach the Pope personally.
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Example layout (illustrative, not an official Vatican form):
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV Vatican City State
How to refer to the Pope in writing
For third-person reference, use “His Holiness” as a formal title. The Vatican Press Office also uses “the Holy Father” for Pope Leo XIV in its February 1, 2026 account of an audience with papal attendants and ushers.
When to follow a different protocol
Formal conventions can vary by jurisdiction and institution. The Government of Canada’s styles of address guidance lists the formal title as “His Holiness Pope (regnal name)” and distinguishes written from spoken greetings. If you are writing on behalf of a government or institution, follow its applicable protocol rather than assuming one country’s ceremony rules apply everywhere.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What papal protocol means
On February 1, 2026, Pope Leo XIV told papal attendants and ushers: “The sober beauty that characterizes papal protocol is reflected in in your every gesture.” The Vatican Press Office’s account uses “the Holy Father” to refer to him.
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