Pontiff
/ˈpɒntɪf/
Definitions
- (n.) A title for the pope or a bishop, especially in contexts involving the legal authority of the Catholic Church.
The pontiff issued a decree that affected church property rights.
Forms
- pontiff
- pontiffs
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal contexts, 'pontiff' primarily denotes the pope's or bishop's official capacity as a religious legal authority, important in canon law and church governance.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.