The Pontifex Maximus was the highest pontifex or priest in ancient Rome -- like the modern Pope. Also like the Pope, once in office, the appointee held his position for life.
Pontifex may come from the Latin words for bridge (pons) + maker (from facio). The Pontifex Maximus was not a magistrate and didn't wear the striped toga (toga praetexta). When presiding at ceremonies, he pulled his toga over his head. [Source: Barbara McManus' article on Roman clothing].
The Pontifex Maximus chose the Vestal Virgins, the flamines, and the rex sacrorum, although at an early point in history, the hierarchy seems to have been different. [See Priests of the Roman Republic.]
The Pontifex Maximus presided at the assembly that confirmed adoptions -- like the one of Clodius Pulcher into a plebeian family.
The Pontifex Maximus kept the Roman historical annals until about 130 B.C. These were called the annales maximi. The events of the year were posted on a whitened board, displayed at the home of the Pontifex Maximus, and available for the public to read. {Source: "The Significance of Numa's Religious Reforms," by Edna M. Hooker; Numen, 1963.]
The The Pontifex Maximus was, in some sense, the heir of the king (rex) and had to be a patrician for the first few centuries of the Roman Republic. The office-holder had power, but was restricted in his behavior by taboos.
The Roman emperors held the title of Pontifex Maximus.
The Pope is often referred to as the Pontifex Maximus.
