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Prelate of Honour of His Holiness
Prelate of Honour of His Holiness
Prelate of Honour of His Holiness
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Generic coat of arms of an Honorary Prelate
Generic coat of arms of an Honorary Prelate
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A Prelate of Honour of His Holiness is a Catholic prelate to whom the Pope has granted this title of honour.

They are addressed as Monsignor (typically abbreviated 'Mgr') and have certain privileges as regards clerical clothing.[1][2]

Overview

[edit]

Before the motu proprio Pontificalis Domus of 28 March 1968, Honorary Prelates (HP) were called Domestic Prelates (Latin: Antistites Urbani). Those who held certain offices were also granted the title, such as an Archbishops- or Bishops-Assistant at the Pontifical Throne, or members of the Roman Prelature. The title was retained by archbishops, bishops and protonotaries apostolic who had been awarded it before their appointment to their higher episcopal or curial role.[3]

The Prelates of Honor are entitled to the appellation "Reverend Monsignor". Historically associated with the chamberlain of the papal court, it is the second rank of monsignor: above Chaplain to His Holiness, but below Protonotary Apostolic.[4]

Prelates of Honor durante munere are:

  • Mgr. Alfred Vanneste, Honorary Prelate
    Mgr. Alfred Vanneste, Honorary Prelate

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Prelate of Honour of His Holiness

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A of Honour of His Holiness is an title bestowed by the upon certain diocesan in the [Catholic Church](/page/Catholic Church) to recognize their exceptional and prolonged service to the Church, often in pastoral, administrative, or diplomatic roles. This title ranks as the intermediate category among the three current grades of —above the but below the Supernumerary—and entitles the recipient to be addressed as "" with specific privileges in clerical attire and liturgical precedence. The title traces its modern form to reforms instituted by in his 1968 Motu Proprio Pontificalis Domus, which simplified the previous array of papal honors for clergy following the Second Vatican Council. Prior to this, numerous titles existed, including up to 14 types such as domestic prelate (the predecessor to Prelate of Honour), but the reorganization consolidated them into the three-tiered system to emphasize service over ceremonial pomp. These honors are typically nominated by a and approved by the , reflecting the recipient's contributions to their or the universal Church. In 2014, further restricted the conferring of higher titles like Prelate of Honour, limiting them to diocesan who have reached age 65, while reserving only the entry-level for younger clergy. This change, outlined in a letter from the Secretariat of State communicated via papal nuncios to episcopal conferences, does not apply retroactively and excludes members of religious orders or those in Vatican service, aiming to refocus on humility and pastoral dedication rather than honors. Despite these limitations, the title continues to be awarded selectively, as seen in recent Vatican announcements of appointments for distinguished . Recipients of the title enjoy certain liturgical and honorary privileges, including the right to wear a black with purple trim, a purple , and a black with red tuft during non-eucharistic ceremonies, as well as precedence in clerical processions equivalent to that of a in some contexts. The title does not confer jurisdictional authority or sacramental changes but serves as a public affirmation of fidelity and merit within the Church hierarchy.

Introduction and Definition

Overview

The of Honour of His Holiness is an honorary title conferred by the on certain priests within the , granting them the ecclesiastical style of "," typically abbreviated as Mgr. or Msgr.. This distinction recognizes exemplary service to the Church, such as pastoral dedication or administrative contributions, and is formally recorded in the , the Vatican's official directory of clergy. Unlike roles with jurisdictional power, the title carries no administrative duties or authority over others in the Church hierarchy; it serves purely as a mark of papal appreciation for faithful ministry. Recipients remain incardinated in their dioceses and continue their ordinary priestly functions, with the honor enhancing their ceremonial standing without altering their responsibilities. Within the system of honors, the Prelate of Honour ranks as the second of three grades, positioned below the and above the . Although primarily awarded to diocesan priests, it may have been conferred earlier on individuals who later become archbishops or bishops, reflecting recognition of their prior service.

Etymology and Terminology

The term "" originates from the Latin praelatus, the past participle of praeferre, meaning "to carry before," "to prefer," or "to place before," signifying a position of precedence or superiority within the . The full title "" incorporates this root to denote an honorary rank granted directly by the , with "of His Holiness" specifying the papal origin of the conferral as a mark of distinction for service to the Church. In formal address, recipients of this title are known as "Reverend Monsignor" in English-speaking contexts, used both in spoken salutations and written correspondence, such as "The Reverend Monsignor [Name]." In Italian, the equivalent is "Reverendo Monsignore," reflecting the title's roots in Roman ecclesiastical protocol and applied similarly in official Vatican documents and liturgies. The title is occasionally termed "" in synonymous usage, emphasizing its non-jurisdictional, nature, though "" remains the precise papal designation. It must be distinguished from the obsolete "Domestic Prelate," a prior for the same rank that was updated to the current form to align with modern curial reforms. Holders of the title are cataloged in the Annuario Pontificio, the Holy See's official directory, under the section for members, ranked among the grades of monsignori below protonotaries apostolic but above chaplains of His Holiness.

Historical Development

Origins in the Papal Court

The title of Prelate of Honour of His Holiness originated in the during the 16th and 17th centuries, evolving from practical roles held by clergy who served as officers in the Roman Court. These positions were closely associated with chamberlains, known as cubicularii or camerieri segreti, who managed the Pope's private chambers and administrative needs, as well as assistants at the Pontifical Throne who supported ceremonial functions. By the mid-16th century, under popes like Paul III, decrees began clarifying the privileges of these "veri familiares" (true familiars) of the papal familia, distinguishing them from lesser court attendants and granting them rights to sustenance and precedence. Early functions of these prelates centered on direct service in the papal court, particularly during liturgies and solemn occasions. They participated in papal Masses as book-bearers, handling the or liturgical texts, and as candle-bearers from the officium cerae, managing the illumination of the papal and throne area to symbolize . These duties underscored their proximity to the Sovereign Pontiff, with the number of clerical attendants in the growing from around 14–15 in the late 1500s to over 60 by the late 1600s, reflecting the expanding ceremonial demands of the Baroque-era court. A key moment in the formalization of these roles came under (r. 1623–1644), who restructured elements of the to centralize authority and enhance ceremonial prestige. Urban VIII elevated the position of Major-domo of the Household—previously fluid—to a fixed office typically held by domestic prelates, often from noble or familial backgrounds, thereby integrating prelatial ranks more firmly into court governance and protocol. This reform built on earlier efforts, such as those of Gregory XV in 1621, to standardize the hierarchy of household officers. Over time, particularly by the , these once-active court positions transitioned into honorary distinctions, detached from daily Vatican duties. What began as essential roles in the "" became titles like Domestic Prelate, conferred on priests for meritorious service without requiring ongoing functions, allowing the to recognize broader contributions while maintaining the symbolic prestige of the papal familia.

Evolution and Name Changes

Prior to the mid-20th century, the title was designated as Domestic Prelate, rendered in Latin as antistes urbanus, signifying a formal affiliation with the membership of the and entitling certain courtly duties and privileges within the . This nomenclature underscored the prelate's role as a dignitary attached to the Pope's domestic entourage, ranking among the higher honors bestowed upon for distinguished service. A pivotal occurred on 28 1968, when promulgated the Pontificalis Domus, which comprehensively reorganized the structure of the papal household by abolishing obsolete court offices and titles while streamlining honors. Under this , the of Domestic Prelate was explicitly renamed to , transforming it from an active position within the papal court to a purely distinction granted by the Pope in recognition of merit. The also limited the conferral of such honors to a more selective group, thereby emphasizing merit over traditional courtly attachment. Following the 1968 changes, the title's status as a non-functional honor was solidified, with existing Domestic Prelates automatically retaining equivalent privileges under the new designation until their episcopal ordination or death, ensuring continuity for incumbents while aligning with post-conciliar ideals. This evolution reflected the broader impact of the (1962–1965), which advocated for the simplification of Church structures and honors to prioritize pastoral service and apostolic mission over monarchical or courtly prestige. The Pontificalis Domus thus marked a deliberate shift toward a more modest and service-oriented ecclesiastical hierarchy.

Conferral Process

Eligibility and Criteria

The title of Prelate of Honour of His Holiness is conferred upon diocesan who are incardinated in a particular and have reached the age of 65, with at least 10 to 15 years of distinguished ministerial service within that , typically in capacities such as pastors, vicars general, or officials in the diocesan chancery. Eligibility requires a formal recommendation from the submitted to the , emphasizing the priest's exemplary contributions to , administrative leadership, or other ecclesial initiatives. Priests belonging to religious institutes or societies of apostolic life are excluded from eligibility, as are those in Vatican service; the title is limited to diocesan priests outside these categories. It is never granted automatically based on tenure in any specific role but solely at the discretion of the in recognition of exceptional merit. These criteria stem from the 2014 restrictions under , which limit higher titles to senior to emphasize and pastoral dedication. This framework reflects the title's evolution from a functional role in the papal to a purely honorary distinction, emphasizing over institutional position.

Appointment Procedure

The appointment procedure for a of Honour of His Holiness is initiated by the , who nominates a deserving based on long and exemplary service to the Church. The compiles a detailed dossier, including the 's , record of pastoral contributions, and evidence of meritorious conduct, and submits it to the for consideration. Upon receipt, the nomination undergoes review by the , assessing the candidate's eligibility against established criteria such as age, years of priesthood, and demonstrated fidelity to duties. If the review is favorable, the recommendation is forwarded to the for final decision. The , as the supreme authority, grants approval through a personal act, often formalized as a rescript or papal , conferring the title directly upon the nominee. This step underscores the honor's origin in the Holy Father's discretion to acknowledge exemplary devotion. Once approved by the , the appointment takes immediate effect, bestowing the full privileges associated with the rank. Following papal approval, the Secretariat of State issues an official notification in the form of a formal letter or diploma to the recipient and the nominating bishop, detailing the conferral and any accompanying insignia or liturgical rights. This document serves as the authoritative record of the honor. The title of Prelate of Honour is granted for life and does not require renewal; it persists beyond the reign of the conferring Pope, reflecting the 1968 reforms under Pope Paul VI that established these honors as permanent recognitions rather than temporary appointments tied to a pontificate.

Privileges and Honors

Liturgical Privileges

Prelates of Honour of His Holiness hold honorary status within the but do not have specific assigned roles in contemporary papal liturgies, which have been simplified following the Second Vatican Council. In the celebration of , these prelates may, with the necessary indult from the Ordinary, celebrate in prelatial vestments such as the purple and , allowing for a more dignified presentation aligned with their rank. During liturgical functions, Prelates of Honour wear the mantelletta, a knee-length silk cape (or fine broadcloth in winter) worn over the , as part of their . This garment, open at the front to allow movement, is donned for or processional participation and symbolizes their prelatial status without implying episcopal orders. Note that while some historical privileges like the use of a hand-candlestick have been described, they are not part of current liturgical norms. Unlike true prelates with episcopal consecration, holders of this title are prohibited from using episcopal insignia such as the , crosier, or ring, as these are reserved exclusively for those possessing the episcopal character. This distinction maintains the honorary nature of the title, confining privileges to prelatial rather than pontifical elements. The 2014 restrictions by on new appointments do not retroactively affect the privileges of existing holders.

Ceremonial and Vestment Privileges

Prelates of Honour of His Holiness are entitled to specific that distinguish their rank among the , as outlined in the Church's regulations on clerical attire. The primary garment is a , symbolizing their prelatial status, which may feature buttons and for added distinction. They may also wear a black trimmed in , without a shoulder , providing a more subdued option for non-choral occasions. Additionally, a black ferraiolone, an with trim, serves as formal outerwear during non-liturgical events. The violet , a small skullcap, is permitted as a mark of honor, aligning with the attire of other high-ranking non-episcopal . In ceremonial contexts, such as papal audiences and processions, Prelates of Honour hold a defined place in the , ranking above simple priests but below Apostolic Protonotaries. This positioning reflects their status as lesser prelates within the and ensures appropriate protocol during official Church gatherings. For heraldic purposes, Prelates of Honour may employ a featuring a generic prelatial shield surmounted by a purple —a wide-brimmed —with six violet tassels hanging from either side, signifying their dignity without episcopal connotations. This design adheres to the simplified norms for lesser prelates, emphasizing clarity and restraint in ecclesiastical heraldry. Daily privileges include the honorific address of "" in official Church documents and events, often preceded by "Reverend" for formal correspondence, underscoring their recognized authority and respect within the community.

Position Within the Hierarchy

Comparison to Other Monsignor Titles

The title of Prelate of Honour of His Holiness holds the intermediate position in the hierarchy of monsignor honors, positioned below the and above the , as defined by Pope Paul VI's Pontificalis Domus of 1968, which streamlined the previous array of 14 papal honorific grades into these three standardized categories to simplify distinctions. All three titles grant the honorific style of "" and incorporate the recipient into the , yet they vary in their historical connections to the papal court, with the Prelate of Honour deriving from the traditional role of chamberlain and the linked to more general service roles outside the core curial structure. In comparison to the , the highest grade typically reserved for senior curial officials and listed prominently in the , the of Honour entails fewer distinctive and a lower place in official precedence within Vatican listings and ceremonies. For instance, while Protonotaries Apostolic may wear a black accented with red buttons and piping along with an optional fuchsia , of Honour lack the red-lined ferraiolone and instead use a fuchsia choir with red trimmings or a black with similar red accents and a fuchsia sash, reflecting a slightly reduced ceremonial elaboration. Relative to the , the entry-level grade often awarded to diocesan priests over age 35 for notable service, the of Honour provides greater liturgical and vestmental privileges, such as the option for a full in settings, in contrast to the Chaplain's more modest black trimmed only with piping, buttons, and sash. This distinction underscores the 's elevated status within non-episcopal honors, allowing for more prominent participation in papal and curial liturgies while maintaining the shared non-jurisdictional nature of all titles.

Distinction from Episcopal Ranks

The title of is strictly and does not confer any over or the faithful, in stark contrast to episcopal ranks such as or , which entail governing authority within a or equivalent territory. Bishops exercise ordinary power derived from their office, including legislative, executive, and judicial functions, whereas prelates of honour possess no such administrative or pastoral authority and remain simple . Unlike bishops, who hold the fullness of and can perform sacraments reserved to the episcopal degree—such as and —a of honour lacks these inherent faculties and may only exercise them if delegated by . The title is retained even if the recipient is later appointed to higher ranks such as or . Although occasionally associated with the broader concept of in the Roman Church, the title of of Honour differs fundamentally from roles within the , which involve specific administrative positions in the with corresponding duties and influence; honorary prelates hold no such offices or responsibilities. In liturgical and ceremonial protocol, prelates of honour rank below all members of the episcopal order, including auxiliary and titular , reflecting their status as elevated priests rather than part of the hierarchical governance structure. This positioning ensures that, despite the honorific address of "," they do not precede any in processions, seating, or other official observances.

Notable Holders

Historical Examples

One prominent historical recipient of the domestic prelate title, the predecessor to Prelate of Honour of His Holiness, was Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, who later became . Appointed as a domestic prelate by in the early 19th century for his service as a canon in the papal court, Mastai-Ferretti exemplified the honor's bestowal on dedicated curial officials involved in ecclesiastical administration and diplomacy. His role contributed to the governance of the during a period of political upheaval, influencing Church policies on temporal power and liturgical continuity amid revolutionary pressures. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the title was frequently awarded to scholarly whose works advanced understanding of Church traditions. Nainfa's authoritative 1909 book, Costume of Prelates of the According to Roman Etiquette, provided a comprehensive guide to prelatial vestments and protocol, drawing on Roman curial practices and serving as a key reference for worldwide. His work highlighted the symbolic importance of such honors in maintaining the Church's ceremonial heritage. Prior to the 1968 reforms under , domestic prelates were commonly drawn from papal court officials, such as secretaries and treasurers, as well as long-serving diplomats who supported the Holy See's . These appointees, often without jurisdictional duties, held honorary status within the , retaining the rank for life even upon promotion. Through their positions, these prelates exerted influence on liturgical practices, advising on ceremonial protocols during papal liturgies and ensuring adherence to Roman etiquette in court functions. For instance, their expertise in vestments and rites helped standardize observances in the papal , preserving traditions amid evolving Church structures. This impact underscored the title's role in bridging administrative service with the spiritual and ritual life of the .

Modern Recipients

In the 20th and 21st centuries, the title of Prelate of Honour of His Holiness has recognized priests for distinguished service in various capacities, including liturgical leadership and pastoral ministry. A notable modern recipient is (born 1959), appointed in 2007 for his expertise in pontifical . He held the position of Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations from 2007 until 2021, overseeing key ceremonies during the pontificates of Popes Benedict XVI and Francis. In 2009, conferred the title on multiple priests, including three from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in acknowledgment of their longstanding pastoral contributions. These included Msgr. Daniel J. Kehoe, pastor emeritus of Holy Spirit Parish in Sharon Hill; Msgr. Donald E. Leighton, pastor of St. John Baptist Vianney Parish in Gladwyne; and Msgr. Michael C. Picard, pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Newtown. Msgr. , then pastor of St. Agnes Parish in West Chester, was also elevated from to Prelate of Honour that year for similar service. The honor has become more commonly bestowed in recent decades on clergy engaged in education, chancery administration, and missionary work, highlighting the broadening scope of recognized ecclesiastical service beyond traditional parish duties. Such appointments are subject to numerical limits, no more than 10% of a diocese's total clergy to maintain selectivity. In 2023, the title was conferred on Msgr. Filippo Ciampanelli of the Diocese of Novara, Italy, recognizing his service prior to his appointment as Under-Secretary of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.

References

  1. https://catholicphilly.com/2014/01/news/world-news/pope-restricts-monsignor-honor-for-priests/
  2. https://catholicecho.org/2023/07/28/faith-fact-what-is-a-monsignor/
  3. https://www.lincolndiocese.org/news/diocesan-news/12512-ask-the-register-very-reverend-monsignor
  4. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2021/08/29/210829a.html
  5. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12386b.htm
  6. https://catholicmessenger.net/2024/08/the-meaning-of-titles-for-priests/
  7. https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=35738
  8. https://blog.adw.org/2014/01/a-monsignor-reflects-on-the-restriction-of-the-title-monsignior/
  9. https://www.lincolndiocese.org/news/diocesan-news/11446-ask-the-register-priest-or-monsignor
  10. https://www.usccb.org/news/2016/pope-names-msgr-james-checchio-bishop-metuchen-accepts-resignation-bishop-bootkoski
  11. https://www.etymonline.com/word/prelate
  12. https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=35737
  13. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/documents/ns_liturgy_20090924_profile_en.html
  14. https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/about/directory/proper-manner-in-which-to-write-to-and-address-clergy-and-religious/
  15. https://www.catholictradition.org/Saints/forms-address.htm
  16. http://diolc.org/files/MonsBkgd.pdf
  17. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344719054_The_Pope%27s_Household_And_Court_In_The_Early_Modern_Age
  18. https://www.elfinspell.com/Costume/Chap1.html
  19. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/domestic-prelate
  20. https://distantreader.org/stacks/pamphlets/pdf/005195658.pdf
  21. https://www.papalartifacts.com/march-28-1968-pope-paul-vi-formally-abolishes-the-papal-court/
  22. http://canonlaw.byethost7.com/Honours.pdf
  23. https://work.chron.com/catholic-priest-become-monsignor-5419.html
  24. https://archive.org/download/costumeofprelate0000nain/costumeofprelate0000nain.pdf
  25. https://cardinals.fiu.edu/instruction69.htm
  26. http://www.shetlersites.com/clericaldress/
  27. https://dokumen.pub/a-manual-of-canon-law.html
  28. https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/precedence
  29. https://www.heritage-history.com/index.php?c=read&author=shea&book=pius9&story=birth
  30. https://academic.oup.com/book/1975/chapter/141799007
  31. https://catholicphilly.com/2009/12/news/18-priests-honored-by-pope/
  32. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-08/master-of-papal-liturgical-ceremonies-named-bishop-of-tortona-i.html
  33. https://news.diocesetucson.org/news/what-actually-is-a-monsignor
  34. https://gcatholic.org/events/year/2023
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