Crossword Genius

Father with speed identifying Father's position (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

papacy

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'father's position' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'father with speed' is the wordplay.
'father' becomes 'papa' (papa is a kind of father).
'with speed' becomes 'cy' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'papa'+'cy'='PAPACY'

'identifying' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for papacy that I've seen before include "Pontificate" , "Office of the pontiff" , "Job in Rome" , "religious role" , "ecclesiastical office" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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