Summary
The Grand Master of the Sacred Apostolic Hospice (Italian: Gran Maestro del Sacro Ospizio) or Quartermaster-General of the Sacred Palaces is a hereditary official of the Pontifical Household. This post is the highest ranking post available to laymen.[1] The title and office became hereditary on June 28, 1808, when Pope Pius VII appointed Prince Francesco Ruspoli as Grand Master.[2]
The Grand Master is a Participating Privy Chamberlain and the sole lay member of the Noble Privy Antechamber, as well as a Participating Privy Chamberlain of the Sword and Cape (made up of laymen, traditionally holding hereditary posts).[citation needed]
From 1808 with Francesco Ruspoli, 3rd prince of Cerveteri, the Ruspoli family assumed the office of Grand Master of the Sacred Hospice and succeeded in the Conti family.[3]
Title holders edit
| Grand Master of the Sacred Apostolic Hospice | Period |
|---|---|
| Created by Pope Pius VII | |
| Francesco Ruspoli, 3rd Prince of Cerveteri[4] | 1808-1829 |
| Alessandro Ruspoli, 4th Prince of Cerveteri[4] | 1829-1842 |
| Giovanni Nepomucene Ruspoli, 5th Prince of Cerveteri[4] | 1842-1876 |
| Francesco Maria Ruspoli, 6th Prince of Cerveteri | 1876-1907 |
| Alessandro Ruspoli, 7th Prince of Cerveteri[4] | 1907-1942 |
| Francesco Ruspoli, 8th Prince of Cerveteri[3] | 1942-1989 |
The reform of the Papal Curia abolished the post in 1968, keeping the title purely honorary.
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Google Books website, Origins of Catholic Words: A Discursive Dictionary, by Anthony Lo Bello, page 305
- ^ Brooke, Douglas (1911) The Secrets of the Vatican. J.B. Lippincott.
- ^ a b Liturgical Arts Journal website, The Papal Court (Aula Pontificia), article by John Paul Sonnen dated May 8, 2020
- ^ a b c d Castello Ruspoli website, The Family