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Definitions

pontificate

[pon-tif-i-kit, -keyt, pon-tif-i-keyt] / pɒnˈtɪf ɪ kɪt, -ˌkeɪt, pɒnˈtɪf ɪˌkeɪt /


Example Sentences

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The carrying of the cross was performed by John Paul II during the first part of his long pontificate, which lasted from 1978 to 2005, and then by Benedict XVI on a more limited basis.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Pope Leo XIV held the first Christmas mass of his pontificate on Wednesday, greeting thousands of faithful in St Peter's Square before the service in an usually informal style.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

ISTANBUL—After a low-profile start to his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV is stepping into the limelight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis made many impassioned remarks on the war in Gaza, calling the humanitarian situation in the Strip "shamefull".

From BBC • May 5, 2025

They pontificate upon the fluffiness of the popcorn, the sweetness of the chocolate.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern