What is a godfather?

A godfather is a man who serves as a sponsor or mentor to a child during a religious ceremony such as baptism or confirmation. The godfather is responsible for guiding the child's spiritual and moral development, and may also provide financial and emotional support. The role of a godfather has long been associated with the Italian-American Mafia, where a member of the organization would act as a godfather to a trusted associate's child. However, in modern times the term "godfather" has broader connotations and is typically associated with a respected and influential male figure in a child's life.