Ares Pope, known as アーレス 教皇 in Japanese, is a significant antagonist in the classic anime series Saint Seiya. He assumes the identity of the Pope of Sanctuary after assassinating the real Pope to seize control. Manipulative and power-hungry, Ares orchestrates many of the challenges the protagonists face, acting as the mastermind behind the Sanctuary arc's trials. His actions set the stage for the conflict between Athena's Saints and the corrupted Sanctuary, driving much of the series’ early plot.