What would be the proper way to address a letter to Pope John Paul II? Do I just say, "Dear Pope John Paul II," or should it be more along the lines of, "Dear Sovereign Pontiff Pope John Paul II," or, "Your Holiness"? Or should I address such a letter to some sort of holy governing body (I'm not really up on the structural hierarchy of the Vatican)?
Posts: 4372 | Location: Rochester, NY, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
"Your Holiness" would be the proper form to address the Pope. I'm sure the letter would be directed to a screening staff, but still address it to the Pontiff as if it were a personal letter.
Posts: 3571 | Location: Ridgewood, N.J. USA | Registered: 05-30-03
Dictionaries are generally a good source for how to address letters.
The envelope should be addressed to either His Holiness Pope John Paul II or His Holiness the Pope. Within the letter, he should be addressed as either Your Holiness or Most Holy Father.
