From Latin 'pontifex' (bridge-maker), the high priest who maintained the sacred bridge — a metaphor for connecting humans to the divine.
The Pope; a bishop or chief priest.
From Latin 'pontifex' (high priest), traditionally interpreted as 'bridge-maker' from 'pons' (bridge) + 'facere' (to make). Roman high priests were supposedly responsible for the sacred bridge over the Tiber. The metaphor of a priest as a 'bridge' between humans and gods
The Pope is a bridge builder. Latin 'pontifex' (bridge-maker) became the title for Rome's highest priest because bridges were considered sacred — they connected separated lands, just as priests connected humans to gods. When you 'pontificate' (speak pompously), you're etymologically building bridges. The 'Pont' in 'Pont Neuf' and 'Pontoon' is the same