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 of Rome". [1]

/ 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 cardinal has been a strong advocate for migrants and supported the reforms of Pope Francis, although the late pontiff experienced significant opposition from some in the US hierarchy.

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.

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 centuries, …

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 [C17: from …

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 "high priest," from …

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

6 days ago · Pope Leo called for peace during his first Christmas celebration since becoming pontiff, encouraging the crowds in Vatican City to remember those suffering in Gaza whilst also calling for a ...

At the heart of the Catholic Church beat two terms that, at first glance, might seem synonymous: Pope and Pontiff. Yet their semantic richness and historical trajectory reveal surprising nuances.