Jonathan Turley

Obama is as likely to be impeached as he is to be installed as the next pontiff. And I say that as someone who has testified in Congress that this president has violated federal laws, unconstitutionally appointed various executive-branch officers and improperly transferred money.

American Lawyer

Pope Francis

This is me, a sinner on whom the Lord has turned his gaze. And this is what I said when they asked me if I would accept my election as pontiff. I am a sinner, but I trust in the infinite mercy and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ, and I accept in a spirit of penance.

Argentinian Clergyman

James Wolcott

A new political-entertainment class has moved into the noisy void once occupied by the sage pontiffs of yore, a class just as polarized as our partisan divide: one side holding up a fun-house mirror to folly, the other side reveling in its own warped reflection.

American Critic

Used exclusively for the leader of the Catholic Church.

Specific Role

There is only one pontiff at any given time in the Catholic Church.

Singular Figure

The word 'pontiff' is formal and mostly used in religious or official contexts.

Not a Common Term

Can refer to respected religious leaders in non-Catholic faiths.

Broader Usage

Its use is appropriate in discussions of diverse religions, not just one.

Varied Religious Contexts

Implies a level of reverence and acknowledgement of spiritual authority.

Conveys Respect

 For they're launching a boat on the Tyne at high tide And they've come from all over, from far and from wide" There's the old Dalai Lama And the pontiff of Rome Every palace in Europe, and there's nay bugger home

Pontiff