pontiff
/ˈpɑntɪf/
noun
- The Pope, the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
- The new pontiff chose the name Francis after his election.
- The pontiff addressed the crowd from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
- Millions of Catholics look to the pontiff for spiritual guidance.
- A bishop or high-ranking religious leader, especially in some Christian churches.
- Local pontiffs gathered for the council to discuss church doctrine.
- In some traditions, the title of pontiff is given to senior bishops.
- The pontiff presided over the cathedral's Easter service.