The title pontifex maximus (“supreme pontiff”) derives, as is well known, from the most important priest (Priest/Presbyter) in the Roman religion. However, its use within Christianity is much later than is generally assumed. Contrary to the idea that it was already held by Pope Leo I (440–461 CE), the title was not initially used because of its pagan (Pagan/Paganism) connotations and because it had been a key element in imperial titles since Augustus. In fact, it was unknown in papal nomenclature until the Renaissance. Two ye…