Chaplain of His Holiness

A Chaplain of His Holiness is a priest to whom the Pope has granted this title. They are addressed as Monsignor and have certain privileges with respect to ecclesiastical dress and vestments.[1]

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History

In accordance with the motu proprio Pontificalis Domus of 28 March 1968, those priests who had been called Supernumerary Privy Chamberlains continued to be part of the Papal Household, under the new name of Chaplains of His Holiness. Lower ranks of Privy Chamberlains (Honorary Chamberlains of Purple Robes, Chamberlains extra Urbem, Honorary Privy Chaplains, and Honorary Chaplains extra Urbem) were abolished,[2] making Chaplain of His Holiness the first (lowest) of the three ranks of Monsignor.

The role of Chaplain of His Holiness dates to the time of Pope Urban VIII. Such Chaplains have provided unpaid service since the pontificate of Pope Pius VI. The nomination of candidates extra urbem may be granted at the request of their bishop through the Apostolic Nunciature, subject to the examination of the merits of the person considered for this rank and to the criteria of the Holy See. Once the candidate has passed all the requirements, a rescript is drawn up by the Secretariat of State attesting to their promotion to this ecclesiastical rank.[2] The members of the chapters of one church in Rome and the cathedral in Lodi hold this title durante munere, i.e., while holding that office.[2] The title no longer expires but requires renewal on the death of the Pope who granted it.[2]

  • Generic coat of arms of a Chaplain of His Holiness

See also

References
  1. Instruction on the Dress, Titles and Coat-of-Arms of Cardinals, Bishops and Lesser Prelates (31 March 1969), English translation published by the Vatican.
  2. Annuario Pontificio 2012, p. 1853
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