pontifex maximus

Mr. Muzás noted one of Francis’ titles is “Pontifex Maximus,” which he said is Latin for “greatest bridge-builder.”

In Rome, the pontifex maximus — an office held by Caesar — was the head of Roman state religion.

Along with his senatorial purple-lined toga, his centurion badge and his augur’s knife, he had adopted a new honour: a white cloth mantle over his head, which marked him as Pontifex Maximus, high priest to the gods.

No demigod in living memory had taken the title Pontifex Maximus.

‘Nah. Romans used to have a Pontifex Maximus, who oversaw all the proper sacrifices and whatnot, to make sure none of the gods got mad. Which I offered to do ... I guess it does sound like 2i pontifex s job.’