Is the Pope Catholic?

Definitions

expressing disbelief or sarcasm
To rhetorically ask a question when the answer is obvious or well-known, often used to express incredulity or skepticism
affirming something as true
To confirm the certainty of a statement, often used to emphasize the obviousness of a situation or fact

Examples of Is the Pope Catholic?

It's like asking, "Is the sky blue?" or "Is the ocean wet?" It's a grandiose way of saying, "Is there any doubt about this?" or "Is this a foregone conclusion?"

The idiom "Is the Pope Catholic?" is used to describe an inquiry that is so obvious it's almost rhetorical, just like asking if the sky is blue or if the ocean is wet. The phrase simply implies that asking the question is redundant because the answer is already self-evident.
There have been a few false prophets in my religion, but I can't imagine someone who claims to be a follower of Buddha not believing in karma. It's like asking, "Is the Pope Catholic?"

This idiomatic example is used to suggest that certain beliefs are so fundamental to a religion that it's inconceivable for an adherent to reject them. Using "Is the Pope Catholic?" metaphorically, it's like inquiring whether the leader of the Roman Catholic Church follows the basic tenets of Catholicism.
The Premier League is the most popular football competition in England, so it's a bit like asking, "Is the Pope Catholic?" regarding its prestige.

This idiomatic expression is applied to highlight the undisputed prominence of the Premier League in English football. Just as it would be nonsensical to question whether the Pope of the Catholic Church undergoes Catholicism, it's just as preposterous to challenge the leadership position of the Premier League in English football.
My boss is known for his business acumen, and I can't envisage him making decisions that would harm the company's interests. It's like asking, "Is the Pope Catholic?"

This idiomatic example is employed to emphasize that there are certain assumptions we make about people based on their actions and behavior. It's infrequent for individuals to contradict the core beliefs and values of their identity, just as it's unlikely for the Pope, who is the head of the Catholic Church, to oppose Catholicism. The term "Is the Pope Catholic?" in this context presents the idea that questioning the integrity of someone who has long demonstrated their commitment to an idea, is akin to inquiring about someone's religious fidelity who has been a member of the Catholic Church for years.
The new pastor, knowing nothing about fishing, decided to ask the local parishioners for some advice. "Is the Pope Catholic?" he asked. The group of fishermen grinned and nod their heads in agreement.

The meaning behind this idiom is to ask an obvious or redundant question, as if stating the obvious. In this example, the question is so obvious that even non-Christians would know the answer. The fishermen smile in response because they know the answer is obvious and the new pastor is a bit naive or inexperienced. As the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, it's a common question to ask if someone doesn't know that the Pope is indeed a Catholic, making it a redundant question.
When the doctor told me that smoking is bad for my health, I asked him, "Is smoking cigarettes really bad for your lungs?"

This idiom is used when asking a question that is already evident or obvious. The speaker is already aware of the answer, but is asking the question for clarification or to confirm what they already know. The doctor would likely respond with a polite smile, indicating he's aware that the question was rhetorical.
After my friend completed her Master's degree, I asked her, "Did you pass your degree?"

This idiom highlights the speaker's skepticism or doubt about a question that should not have any doubt. It is used to express a lack of confidence or suspicion about the answer. Here, the friend has already completed the degree, but the speaker is asking a question that is redundant and already known. In reality, the friend has already passed the degree, and the speaker's doubt is unnecessary.
During the interview, the candidate asked the interviewer, "Are you hiring for this position?"

This type of idiom is used when someone assumes that what they are asking is already known. In this example, the candidate is asking an obvious question, presuming that the job position is still open. The interviewer would likely smile politely, having already made it clear the position was vacant in the job posting or during the interview.

Conclusion

The idiom "Is the Pope Catholic?" is commonly used in informal speech to express disbelief or sarcasm by rhetorically asking a question with an obvious or well-known answer. It can also be used to affirm something as true by confirming the certainty of a statement and emphasizing the obviousness of a situation or fact.

Origin of "Is the Pope Catholic?"

The phrase "Is the Pope Catholic?" originated from the early 20th century, and it became popular in American English as a sarcastic or humorous way to express disbelief. The Pope is traditionally associated with the Roman Catholic Church, so the question "Is the Pope Catholic?" is used to emphasize the certainty of a situation or fact. Over time, it has evolved into a common idiomatic expression used in everyday conversation to convey incredulity or to affirm the obvious. The origins of the phrase reflect its function as a rhetorical question with a well-known answer.