PAPAPHOBIA -- FEAR OF THE POPE --

Welcome to my site for Papaphobia. Included on this site is the detailed information below, a Phobia Types tab to help viewers understand phobias and the specific types and finally various books, treatments, tips to help with phobias. Don’t forget to check out the other tabs after reading the information below on Papaphobia (Pope fear, Pope phobia, fear of the Pope, phobia of the Pope, Hierophobia, Ecclesiaphobia, Ecclesiophobia, Hagiophobia).

What is Papaphobia?

Papaphobia is the fear of the Pope. Papaphobia is considered to be a specific phobia, which is discussed on the Phobia Types page. Papaphobia is also related to Hierophobia (fear of holy people or sacred things), Ecclesiaphobia or Ecclesiophobia (which are both the fear of church, organized religion or holy people) and Hagiophobia (fear of saints or holy things).

What are the causes?

It is generally accepted that phobias arise from a combination of external events (i.e. traumatic events) and internal predispositions (i.e. heredity or genetics). Many specific phobias can be traced back to a specific triggering event, usually a traumatic experience at an early age. Social phobias and agoraphobia have more complex causes that are not entirely known at this time. It is believed that heredity, genetics, and brain chemistry combine with life-experiences to play a major role in the development of phobias. (Wikipedia - phobia).

What are the symptoms?

As with any phobia, the symptoms vary by person depending on their level of fear. The most common symptoms of phobias are trembling, chest pains, heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure, shortness of breath, rapid speech or inability to speak, dry mouth, upset stomach, nausea, and hot or cold flashes.

Can I take medicine?

Medicine can be prescribed, but please note that these medications can have side effects and/or withdrawal systems that can be severe. It is also important to note that medicines do not cure phobias, at best they only temporarily suppress the systems. Unfortunately, some people turn to illegal drugs and alcohol to treat their symptoms, which also do not treat phobias, but can cause the person to form an addiction to them. Thankfully, there are treatments for phobias, additional information regarding treatments can be found on the Treatments page.