Which logical appeal is demonstrated when a speaker mentions the Pope's stance on war?

The correct answer is related to the idea of using authority and credibility to persuade an audience. When a speaker mentions the Pope's stance on war, they are leveraging the Pope's position as a highly respected religious leader. This approach highlights the credibility and moral authority that the Pope possesses, which can influence listeners who regard his opinions as significant, especially in matters of ethics and morality.

This appeal is effective because it connects a widely respected figure to the speaker's argument, giving it weight and legitimacy. The audience may be more inclined to accept the argument simply because it aligns with the views of someone they hold in high esteem. The appeal is not just a matter of popularity or consensus, as seen in other options; instead, it relies on the inherent authority of the speaker being referenced. This strategy is commonly used in rhetoric to bolster an argument by associating it with a prestigious or authoritative figure.