the office or term of office of a pontiff.

to perform the office or duties of a pontiff.

to speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner

Did he pontificate about the responsibilities of a good citizen?

to serve as a bishop, esp. in a Pontifical Mass.

verb

address , admonish , dogmatize , evangelize , get on a soapbox , give sermon , harangue , lecture , minister , moralize , preach , pulpiteer , teach