What does the cryptic crossword clue "Sophisticated mostly, as many popes were (5)" mean?

The definition is "as many popes were". The wordplay uses charade, deletion. URBANE (synonym of "Sophisticated") [curtailing: "mostly,"]; definition: "as many popes were" The answer is URBAN.

Sophisticated mostly, as many popes were (5)

Times Cryptic #28604 | 22 Down | 2023-05-16 flower

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