pontifex

In ancient Rome, a member of the college of pontifices, headed by the pontifex maximus (chief pontiff). The pontifices were not ‘ordained priests’, but they supervised the state religion and constituted a supreme court in many religious matters. The members of the college were generally members of leading political families, and indirectly the college could exercise considerable political influence.

The college had nine members in the late republic, increased to 15 by Sulla 80 BC. Before 104 BC, membership of the college was by co-option, but thereafter (apart from a brief Sullan interlude) the choice was made by 17 of the 35 tribes of the comitia tributa selected at random. The pontifex maximus was always chosen from among the existing members of the college; Julius Caesar was elected pontifex maximus 63 BC. After the death of Lepidus (Caesar's successor) 13 or 12 BC, Augustus became pontifex maximus. Thereafter the office passed to his various successors in turn.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the pope is often referred to as the chief pontiff.