From:
newadvent.org/cathen/12260a.htm**
Pontiff.** The terms
Pontifex Maximus, Summus Pontifex, were doubtless originally employed with reference to the
Jewish high-priest, whose place the
Christian bishops were regarded as holding each in his own
diocese (I Clement 40). As regards the title
Pontifex Maximus, especially in its application to the pope, there was further a reminiscence of the dignity attached to that title in
pagan Rome.
Tertullian, as has already been said, uses the phrase of
Pope Callistus. Though his words are ironical, they probably indicate that
Catholics already applied it to the pope. But here too the terms were once less narrowly restricted in their use.
Pontifex summus was used of the
bishop of some notable see in relation to those of less importance.
Hilary of Arles (d. 449) is so styled by
Eucherius of Lyons (P. L., L, 773), and
Lanfranc is termed “primas et pontifex summus” by his biographer,
Milo Crispin (P. L., CL, 10).
Pope Nicholas I is termed “summus pontifex et universalis papa” by his
legate Arsenius (Hardouin, “Conc.”, V, 280), and subsequent examples are common. After the eleventh century it appears to be only used of the popes.
You may, however, want to read
THIS before replying.
God bless,
RyanL
