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A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.

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PONTIFICATE

The reign or period of reign of a pope as Roman pontiff. Once legitimately elected, and accepting the election, he immediately receives, by divine right, the full power of supreme jurisdiction over the Christian faithful.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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