Pontifical

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Pontifical, from the Latin pontificalis, is an adjective used to describe anything connected with the office of a prelate, usually a bishop or an abbot. It is often used in connection with the Pope, the Bishop of Rome and bearer of the old Roman title Pontifex Maximus. When used substantively, it can refer to a number of ecclesiastical institutions and practices.

[edit] Pontificale - service book

A Roman Catholic liturgical book which contains the rites for the performance of episcopal functions (e.g. conferring of confirmation and Holy orders), with the exception of Mass and Divine Office is called a pontifical in English. It is practically an episcopal ritual, containing formularies and rubrics which existed in the old sacramentaries and "Ordines Romani", and were gradually collected together to form one volume for the greater convenience of the officiating bishop. In medieval times, collections were known under the names of Liber Sacramentorum, Liber Officialis, Liber Pontificalis, Ordinarium Episcopale or Benedictionale.

Under Innocent VIII, a standard version was published for the use of the entire Roman Rite, under the title Pontificale Romanum. An edited traditional version published by Pope Leo XIII is available online at Liturgia Latina.

The service book should not be confused with the papal annals, also called Liber Pontificalis, which is used by historians of the early Roman Church.

[edit] See also

• breviary
• missal
• Rituale Romanum

[edit] Pontificalia - Vestments

Pontificals from the Latin neuter plural pontificalia refers to episcopal vestments worn by Roman Catholic, Anglican and some Lutheran bishops. They usually include the:

• pallium
• mitre
• dalmatic
• tunicle
• pectoral cross
• ecclesiastical ring

and sometimes

• buskins
• episcopal sandals

In Roman Catholic usage, certain clergy other than bishops, such as domestic prelates may participate in the Mass and other services cum pontificalibus - "with pontificals."

The episcopal vestments in Eastern Christianity are broadly similar, although Greek terms are used instead of the mainly Latinate forms used in the West. Primates wear a pectoral icon called an engolpion, and bishops and some priests wear an epigonation, which is sometimes compared to the Western maniple. Orthodox bishops also don a mantle for pre-liturgical blessigns and offices, similar to the Western use of the cope.

This article incorporates text from the public-domain Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913.