Papal Gentlemen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Papal Gentlemen, also called the Gentlemen of His Holiness, are the attendants of the pope and his papal household in Vatican City. They serve in the Apostolic Palace near St. Peter's Basilica. Historically, members of the Papal Gentlemen come from families that have long served the papal household over the course of several centuries as butlers and footmen.
Also known as Gentlemen of the Holy See, they originally came from members of the Italian Royal Families and Aristocracy. Prior to the Second Vatican Council they provided personal assistance to the Pope on formal state occasions as members of the Papal Court. They took part in Papal processions behind the Sedia Gestoria. Many of the current Papal Gentlemen come from families that have served the Popes for centuries.
In ecclesiastical heraldry, laypersons so honored may display a golden chain in their coat of arms.
- See also the Prince Assistants to the Papal Throne.
[edit] References
- Noonan, Jr., James-Charles (1996). The Church Visible: The Ceremonial Life and Protocol of the Roman Catholic Church. Viking, p.196. ISBN 0-670-86745-4.
