This is the 8324th most frequent Spanish word.
pontificia
"Pontificia" means "pontifical" or "related to the pope or papacy."
Here, 'pontificia' is used as an adjective to describe the university being associated with the Church or holding a special ecclesiastical authorization.
La universidad que visité es pontificia.
The university I visited is pontifical.
In this sentence, 'pontificia' refers to matters concerning the Pope's authority or the papal administration.
El Papa anunció cambios en la administración pontificia.
The Pope announced changes in the pontifical administration.
Here, 'pontificia' is used to signify the basilica's special designation or importance granted by the Pope.