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Servus Servorum Dei is a Latin phrase meaning Servant of the Servants of God. This phrase is one of the titles of the Pope and is used to refer to the Pope in the beginning address of Papal bulls.
History
Pope St. Gregory I was the first pope to use this title to refer to the office of the Pope. Some of his successors used the phrase off and on for the several hundred years, but it was not regularly used until the 9th century. Other civil rulers at times used this title as well, but after the 12th century it came to be used exclusively by the Pope.
In the years following the Second Vatican Council, Popes have used the concept of Servus Servorum Dei to help in making their office a simpler and less regal office. Pope Paul VI stopped using the Papal Tiara, and none of his successors have ever worn the tiara. John Paul I, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI had dispensed with the Papal Coronation ceremony, instead opting for a simpler Papal Installation ceremony. Instead of receiving the Papal Tiara, the three men received the pallium during their installation ceremonies. Also, the royal we was dispensed with in speech, and instead the singular I has been used by Paul's successors.
"Servus Servorum Dei"