👉 In Catholicism, a "pontiff" refers to an official who is appointed by Pope Francis to lead the papacy. This appointment is made through the process of election and confirmation by the Holy See's Congregation for Bishops, which includes the Pope himself as well as other cardinals and bishops. The term pontiff is often used in the context of a pope's role as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, with the papacy being held by the Pope. The Pope is