Vatican Employees Still Can Become Monsignors

The reduction of the honorary spiritual title decreed by Pope Francis shall not apply to employees of the Roman Curia

Vatican City (kath.net / KNA) The reduction of the honorary spiritual title decreed by Pope Francis shall not apply to employees of the Roman Curia. Vatican Radio reported on Tuesday, citing a notice from the Vatican Secretariat of State. Thus, a priest after five years of service with the Holy See can become an "Honorary Chaplain of His Holiness".

The Pope had severely restricted the award of spiritual honorary titles in the Universal Church and informed the bishops earlier this year. Francis has abolished two from the current three tiers, the "Honorary Prelate of His Holiness" and the "Protonotary Apostolic". Its lowest rank "Honorary Chaplain of His Holiness" will be allowed to be received only by priests who are 65 Years of age. Bearers of this title are commonly styled as "Monsignor." The title "Honorary Chaplain of His Holiness' are usually given to Curia employees after five years if they are 35 at that time and have been priests at least ten years. The title "Honorary Prelate of His Holiness" follows in many cases after a further ten years.

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