Why "St. Peter" and not "Pope Peter?"

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Soniczelda_514

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I’ve been wondering for some time: why is it that in speaking of Saint Peter, that we refer to him as “saint” rather than “Pope?”
 
Soniczelda_514 said:
I’ve been wondering for some time: why is it that in speaking of Saint Peter, that we refer to him as “saint” rather than “Pope?”
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I think he ceased to be Pope at his death, but will always be a saint. [Just my guess.]
 
We refer to canonized popes as “Pope St. .” The reason I would imagine we do not usually refer to him as Pope Peter is that he is greater in dignity than his successors, being not only pope, but also Prince of the Apostles.
 
The title did not start being used until the early third century, so I imagine referring to him merely as St Peter was well established.

Also, sainted popes are not invariably referred to as “(St) Pope Whoever”. For example, the SSPX is the Society of St Pius X. A parish church near me is just called St Pius X.

On the other hand, in Catholic circles, I have rarely heard of Our Lady referred to as “St Mary” – usually instead by one of her many titles, or just as “Mary”.
 
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