Parryable: Yes. Player can riposte him after a successful parry. Cannot be backstabbed.

What is the easiest way to kill a pontiff?

If you're not too heavily equipped, this attack is fairly easily dodged by rolling forward and to the left or right. You can paddle the Pontiff once or twice, depending on the speed of your weapon and stamina reserves, then sprint to the opposite end of the arena. With any luck, he'll repeat the same attack.

Can you parry pontiff Knights?

Pontiff Knight Combat Information

Shields that can parry spells can parry the orbs. ... The range of this attack is longer than their typical melee ones and the magic will deal damage directly to the player regardless of whether or not they have their shield up.