Word of the Day: Pontificate

pontificate

pon-tif-i-cate / pŏn-tĭf-ĭ-kĭt, pŏn-tĭf-ĭ-kāt

noun

1. (Roman Catholic Church) the office or term of office of the pope

[Pope Francis] is 78 years old and knows that his will be a short pontificate.

George Weigel, 1951 –

verb

1. to speak or express opinions in a pompous or authoritative and unchallengeable manner

I don’t spend my time pontificating about high-concept things; I spend my time solving engineering and manufacturing problems.

Elon Musk, 1971 –

2. to serve as or perform the duties of a pontiff

Pope Pius XII said his first Mass before Mary’s altar in this cathedral [Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore], and in 1939 he pontificated at a Mass of thanksgiving at the same altar.

www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=36256, accessed March 9, 2023