1. Plural of papalist; people who support papal authority or the power of the Pope.
Usage: historical; religious
2. Supporters of the papal party during medieval or Renaissance conflicts between secular and religious authority.
Usage: historical

Examples

• The papalists in medieval Italy fought to maintain the Pope's temporal power.
• During the Reformation, papalists defended Catholic doctrine against Protestant reformers.
• Papalists believed the Pope held supreme authority in both spiritual and worldly matters.
• The conflict between papalists and imperialists shaped European politics for centuries.
• Many papalists supported the construction of grand churches and cathedrals.
• Papalists opposed any challenge to papal supremacy within Christendom.