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 …

/ 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 70-year-old pope, who is the youngest pontiff since John Paul II was elected aged 58, is presiding at more Christmas services than his immediate predecessors, restoring the tradition …

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 …

Another name for the pope. Pontiff comes from a Latin word, meaning “bridge builder,” that was used as a title for some of the priests of ancient Rome.

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

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.

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