Crossword Genius

Dad has a friend like Pope! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

papal

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'dad has a friend like pope' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'dad has a friend' is the wordplay.
'dad' becomes 'pa' (synonyms).
'has' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'a friend' becomes 'pal' (pal is a kind of friend).
'pa'+'pal'='PAPAL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for papal that I've seen before include "Like some bulls" , "Of the highest Vatican authority" , "Relating to the Pontiff" , "of Catholic high-up" , "Relating to the Pope" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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