The word "pontiff", though now most often used in relation to a pope, technically refers to any Catholic bishop. The phrase "Roman pontiff" is therefore not tautological, but means "Bishop …

Share Kids Definition pontiff noun pon· tiff ˈpänt-əf : bishop sense 1 especially, often capitalized : pope

/ ˈpɑn·tɪf / Add to word list a pope (= leader of the Roman Catholic Church) (Definition of pontiff from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

The Roman Pontiff, as the successor of Peter, is the perpetual and visible principle and foundation of unity of both the bishops and of the faithful.

pontiff (ˈpɒntɪf) n (Roman Catholic Church) a former title of the pagan high priest at Rome, later used of popes and occasionally of other bishops, and now confined exclusively to the pope …

Today, it's strictly accurate to call any Catholic bishop a pontiff, but the vast majority of Catholics reserve the word for the Bishop of Rome, otherwise known as the Pope. The word means …

Terms like “Pontiff” and “Vicar of Christ” highlight different aspects of the pope’s authority. Some titles emphasize his spiritual leadership, while others point to his pastoral responsibilities. Over …

pontiff, n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

Definition of pontiff noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

PONTIFF High priest, and therefore any bishop, as successor of the Apostles. Now reserved as the title of the Pope.