Pontiff

The Pontiff (法王, Hōō^?) is the current head of the Holy See. He harbors a strong devotion to Griffith, considering him the Falcon of Light. Despite being of an old age, the Pontiff refuses to die until he crowns Griffith as the king of Midland and oversees his marriage to queen Charlotte.

Abilities[]

As head of the Holy See, the Pontiff has access to nearly universal respect among the world's inhabitants, particularly in Midland and its surrounding countries and city-states, which have a high religious population. When he appeared outside of Vritannis with the Band of the Falcon, the nobles present immediately bowed before him. It was thanks to the Pontiff's influence that Griffith was able to assume military command over the nobles of Midland.^[1]

Personality[]

The Pontiff has misgivings about his tenure as the head of the Holy See. While outside Vritannis, he reflectes on his life and comes to the conclusion that while he had not particularly failed as a Pontiff, all aspects of his life were largely unremarkable and devoid of any significance.^[2] He currently hopes to give his life meaning by hailing Griffith as the savior of mankind.

Story[]

Millenium Falcon Arc[]

While resting during a journey to Vritannis, the Pontiff receives a prophetic vision of the Falcon of Light in which it appeared to him personally and caused a spontaneous revitalization in the Pontiff's energy. He associated this vision with Mule and Sonia of the Band of the Falcon, and by extension Griffith.^[2] From then on, the Pontiff views Griffith as the Falcon of Light manifest.^[1]

Fantasia Arc[]

After Rickert arrives at Falconia, he visits Griffith's castle and witnesses a ceremonial mass funeral presided over and personally performed by the Pontiff as the highest-ranking priest of the Holy See. The Pontiff leads a prayer for the citizens as Griffith summons the spirits of the deceased to commune with their loves ones.^[3]

After the funeral, the Pontiff enjoys tea with Griffith, Princess Charlotte and Sonia, in the castle's garden. When the pricess urges the priest not to push himself to so hard the Pontiff reassures her that he will not die until he has presented the crown upon Griffith's head and performed the wedding ceremony between herself and Griffith. When Rickert arrives to meet with Griffith and slaps him across the face, the Pontiff witnesses the event in shock.^[4]