It is the name given to the bishops or archbishops of a diocese, especially the Pope. It should be noted that, when it comes to the latter, "Sumo" is added to show that this is the highest authority of Rome and the Catholic Church. Therefore, it is a word that is reserved for the highest ecclesiastical authorities, especially the Pope. This word originates from the Latin word "pons", which in turn comes from "pontis", which can be translated as "bridge"; by adding the suffix "ifice" (constructor), referring to the connections that they build between God and humanity. However, it is well known that the etymology of the term is still disputed by experts.
This concept was used since the times of Ancient Rome. There, this title was granted to the priestly magistrates who are in charge of guiding all religious rites; it was an appointment loaded with honor. For its part, the title of Pontifex Maximux was the highest office present in the Roman religion, and was reserved for those religious who belonged to the Patrician lineage. From the year 254 BC, it was also available to commoners. Pontiffs, time later, were also men who belonged to a religious council of high importance.
At a certain point, the Roman Emperors also became the Supreme Pontiff. With time, and the taking of Christianity as the licit religion, the title became anachronistic. The Emperor Gratian the Younger resigned his post, leaving his title in the hands of the Patriarch of Rome: the Pope.
