What does the Latin word Pontifex mean?

pontifex, (Latin: “bridge builder”, ) plural Pontifices, member of a council of priests in ancient Rome.

Where does the word Pontifex come from?

The word pontifex, Latin for “pontiff”, was used in ancient Rome to designate a member of the College of Pontiffs. In the Latin Vulgate translation of the New Testament, it is sometimes used to designate the Jewish high priest, as in the Gospel of John and Epistle to the Hebrews (John 11:49; Hebrews 5:1).

Why is the pope called pontiff?

Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church The word “pontiff” comes from the Latin “pontifex,” meaning “bridge-builder.” “Pontifex maximus” was the great bridge-builder of ancient Rome, a title held by the likes of Julius Caesar.

What did the Pontiffs do in Rome?

During the Kingdom of Roman history, the pontiffs were primarily concilia (advisers) of the kings, but after the expulsion of the last Roman King in 510 BC, the College of Pontiffs became religious advisers to the Roman Senate.

How did Caesar become Pontifex Maximus?

The pontifex maximus was elected by the comitia tributa, an assembly of the people that was divided into voting districts. After 104 BCE, the ordinary pontifices were also elected – until then, they had been coopted. Julius Caesar was elected pontifex maximus in 63 BCE and kept the office until his death.

What is Maior?

Maior (also spelled major) (Latin, ‘greater’) gives its name to several occupations such as maior domus, major, and mayor, and thus many surnames, especially German surnames like Maier, Meier, Meyer, Meir, Mayer, Meyr, and the Dutch surname Meijer.

How many Pontiffs are there?

Of the 266 Popes listed below, 88 came from Rome and the majority (196) came from Italy. Gregory V (3 May 996 – 18 February 999) was the first German Pope before Benedict XVI.

What does the title pontifex maximus mean?

Greatest Pontiff
The Pontifex Maximus (which literally means “Greatest Pontiff”) was the high priest of the Ancient Roman College of Pontiffs. This was the most important position in the ancient Roman religion, open only to patricians until 254 B.C.E., when a plebeian first occupied this post.

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