Pontifex maximus

Japanese: ポンティフェクス･マクシムス（英語表記）pontifex maximus

In ancient Rome, the head of the Pontifex, who assisted the Consul in his religious duties. Later, he became the head of the clergy, which included the priests (flamen) of the gods Jupiter and Mars, and the priest-king. It can also be translated as high priest or chief priest. In ancient times, the Pontifex were elected by themselves, but from 212 BC they were elected by the Assembly. Their main duties were to oversee all national rituals, to grant the gods' forgiveness in the event of bad omen natural disasters, and to designate festival days, anniversaries, and Assembly days in the annual calendar. They also had political influence, declaring invalid Assembly resolutions (legislation, elections) due to irregularities in religious procedures.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

古代ローマでコンスル(執政官)の宗教的任務を助けたポンティフェクスの長。後にユピテル神やマルス神の祭司(フラメンflamen)と祭祀王を加えた聖職者団の長。大神官，神官長などと訳す。古くはポンティフェクスが互選し，前212年から民会で選挙した。主務は国家的祭儀全般の監督で，凶兆の天変地異に神々の宥恕を講じ，毎年の暦に祭事日，忌日，民会日を指定する。宗教的手続の不備を理由に民会決議(立法，選挙)の無効を宣し，政治的影響力も有した。

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