ultramontanism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (Roman Catholic Church) the policy that the absolute authority of the church should be vested in the pope

WordNet

Ul`tra*mon"ta*nism noun
Etymology
Cf. F. ultramontanisme.
Definitions
  1. The principles of those within the Roman Catholic Church who maintain extreme views favoring the pope's supremacy; -- so used by those living north of the Alps in reference to the Italians; -- rarely used in an opposite sense, as referring to the views of those living north of the Alps and opposed to the papal claims. Cf. Gallicanism.

Webster 1913