The Latin word pontifex literally means "bridge builder". In ancient Rome, there was an office called Pontifex Maximus, or "head bridge builder". This term is now used in Roman Catholicism to refer to the Pope.
Pontifex maximus was a Roman official. The title literally means "Chief bridge builder". The term is also applied to the Bishop of Rome, the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
It means John Paul II Supreme Pontiff - if translated into English. Pontifex Maximus being the ancient title of the High Priest of the polytheistic Roman Religion which was once a title of the Roman...