THE POPE
The title “pope” is derived from the Greek “pappas” which means father. The title pope is used to refer to the Bishop of Rome as the head of the universal church. Other titles for referring to the pope include: (1) Vicar of Christ; (2) the Roman pontiff; (3) the successor to Peter; (4) patriarch of the West; (5) His Holiness; and (6) The Most Holy Father (translated from the Latin: Beatissimus Pater).
The title “Pontifex Maximus” is Latin for Supreme bridge-Builder,” and is today reserved for the pope. In the religion of ancient Rome, the pontifex maximus was the chief priest of the Roman religion who headed the college of priests and wielded enormous religious authority and influence, including fixing dates of festivals and the organization of the calendar. When Rome was under control of Julius Caesar, the office of the pontifex was combined by him with that of dictator. The Roman emperors subsequently assumed the role of pontifex maximus; the last ruler to do so was Emperor Gratian (367A.D. - 383A.D), who terminated the office as part of his anti-pagan measures. He presented the title to the pope in 375A.D. in recognition of the pontiff’s supreme authority over the Christian Church. Henceforth, the title “pontiff” or “supreme pontiff” has been used to refer to the Bishop of Rome.
The current pope is His Holiness Pope Francis I.
The title “Pontifex Maximus” is Latin for Supreme bridge-Builder,” and is today reserved for the pope. In the religion of ancient Rome, the pontifex maximus was the chief priest of the Roman religion who headed the college of priests and wielded enormous religious authority and influence, including fixing dates of festivals and the organization of the calendar. When Rome was under control of Julius Caesar, the office of the pontifex was combined by him with that of dictator. The Roman emperors subsequently assumed the role of pontifex maximus; the last ruler to do so was Emperor Gratian (367A.D. - 383A.D), who terminated the office as part of his anti-pagan measures. He presented the title to the pope in 375A.D. in recognition of the pontiff’s supreme authority over the Christian Church. Henceforth, the title “pontiff” or “supreme pontiff” has been used to refer to the Bishop of Rome.
The current pope is His Holiness Pope Francis I.