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The papal household or pontifical household (usually not capitalized in the media and other nonofficial use, Who’s that with Pope Francis? The seven kinds of people you meet in a papal entourage, Washington Post ), called until 1968 the Papal Court ( Aula Pontificia), Motu proprio Pontificalis Domus, introductory paragraphs 5 and 6; Italian translation of the document consists of dignitaries who assist the pope in carrying out particular ceremonies of either a religious or a civil character.
It is organised into two bodies: the Papal Chapel ( Cappella Pontificia), which assists the pope in his functions as the spiritual head of the church, especially in religious ceremonies; and the Papal Family or Household ( Familia Pontificia), which assists him as head of a juridical body with civil functions. Pontificalis Domus, introductory paragraph 5 and section 4
Historically, chanted divine service was held daily in the papal palace, with the Pope in person celebrating or assisting at Pontifical Mass on certain days. After the return of the popes from Avignon Papacy, these solemn public functions were held in the Sistine Chapel or, on days of special solemnity, in Saint Peter's Basilica. The liturgical celebration ceased to be daily in the course of the nineteenth century. The motu proprio Pontificalis Domus of 1968 abolished some of the titles borne by various groups that had membership in the Papal Chapel. At present its membership consists of the ecclesiastical members of the Papal Family in the narrow sense ( Familia Pontificalis, not Domus Pontificalis) and in addition: (2025). 9788826607979, Libreria editrice Vaticana. ISBN 9788826607979
The ecclesiastics who have membership are:
The lay members are: (2025). 9788820990701, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. ISBN 9788820990701
In the Papal Chapel, the following positions were altered or suppressed: Palatine Cardinals ( Cardinali Palatini); prelates di fiocchetto; Prince-Assistants to the Throne ( Principi assistenti al Soglio); Papal majordomo; the Interior Minister; Commander of Santo Spirito; Roman Magistrate; Master of the Sacred Apostolic Hospice; Chamberlains of Honor in abito paonazzo; Secret Chaplains and Secret Chaplains of Honor; Secret Clerics; Confessor of the Pontifical Family; Candle-Carrying Acolytes ( Ceroferari); Guardian of the Sacred Tiara; Mace-Bearer; and Cursores ( Cursori Apostolici). Pontificalis Domus 6, §4. Of these offices, the suppressed offices of Secret Chaplain and Secret Chaplain of Honor, Secret Cleric, Acolyte Ceroferari, Common Papal Chaplain, and Porter-Masters of the Virga Rubea were consolidated under the general title of "Cleric of the Papal Chapel". Pontificalis Domus 6, §5.
The Papal Family underwent even more radical changes. Abolished and considered were the following titles: the Palatine prelates (i.e., Majordomo of His Holiness, Master of the Chamber Maestro, Auditor of His Holiness); Master of the Sacred Apostolic Hospice; the Hereditary Quartermaster General of the Sacred Apostolic Palace (Foriere Maggiore ); Master of the Horse to His Holiness (Cavallerizzo Maggiore di Sua Santità ); Postmaster; the Keepers of the Golden Rose; Secretary to Embassies; Esente of the Noble Guard of Service; Chamberlains of Honor in abito paonazzo ; Chamberlains of Honor extra Urbem ; Secret Chaplains and Secret Chaplains of Honor; Secret Chaplains of Honor extra Urbem ; Secret Clerics; Common Papal Chaplains; Confessor of the Pontifical Family; and Secret Steward (Scalco Segreto ).Pontificalis Domus'' 7, §3.
The Master of the Sacred Palace (the Pope's Dominican Order theologian) has been renamed Theologian of the Pontifical Household. Pontificalis Domus 7, §4. Since 2005 the post has been held by Fr. Wojciech Giertych, a Polish Dominican. The titles of Secret Almoner and Sacristan of His Holiness were changed to Almoner of His Holiness, and Vicar General of His Holiness for Vatican City, respectively, and the responsibilities of the Secretary to Embassies and Secretary of the Wardrobe were commuted into the office of the Prelates of the Antechamber. Domestic Prelates and Secret Chamberlains Supernumerary remained part of the Papal Family, but were henceforth to be called Prelates of Honor of His Holiness and Chaplains of His Holiness, respectively. Likewise, the Secret Chamberlains of the Cape and Sword ( di cappa e spada) were retained under the title Gentlemen of His Holiness, and the Bussolanti took the new name of Attachés of the Antechamber. Pontificalis Domus 7, §7. The Camerieri Segreti Partecipanti were outright abolished, as was the title of Sub-Auditor ( Subdatarius). Pontificalis Domus 7, §5.
There was also a change in honorific ecclesiastical titles, which were reduced to three categories: Protonotaries Apostolic ( de numero and supernumerary), Prelates of Honor of His Holiness, and Chaplains of His Holiness. All the other categories of were abolished. Pontificalis Domus 8.
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