TheOffice for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff (Latin:Officium de Liturgicis Celebrationibus Summi Pontificis,Italian:Ufficio delle Celebrazioni Liturgiche del Sommo Pontefice) is the section of theRoman Curia responsible for organizing and conducting liturgies and other religious ceremonies performed by thepope of theCatholic Church. It is headed by a "master" appointed for a term of five years.[1]
The office and the consultants who advise it support the pope in expressing his interpretation of the liturgical modifications instituted following the Second Vatican Council. Popes have at times supported postconciliar reforms, restored earlier practices, and introduced further innovations. WhenPope Francis named five new consultants in September 2013, he included none of those appointed byPope Benedict XVI, who were known to promote a return to preconciliar liturgical practices.[2][3] Benedict restored preconciliar elements to the rite for the canonization of saints and Francis removed them and further shortened the ceremony. Guido Marini, the Master when Francis instituted his changes, is known as a traditionalist, but performs to the pope's instructions.[4] In the words of one journalist, his job is "to thread papal preferences into the pageantry".[5] For example, he works to ensure that liturgical music is integrated into the liturgy as Francis prefers, so that participants are never forced to wait for music to conclude before proceeding.[6] On 19 January 2019,Pope Francis transferred responsibility for theSistine Chapel Choir from thepapal household to this Office.[7]
As Prefects of Pontifical Ceremonies:
Office of Prefect of Pontifical Ceremonies vacant during reform (1965–1970)
Office re-established as Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations in 1970
In addition to assisting the pope at sacred functions, the Papal Master of Ceremonies assists cardinals on various occasions: during consistories, when a cardinal takes possession of histitular church, and during solemn celebrations ofMass or other important religious services. When a cardinal is created at a consistory, the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations assigns one of the Office's Masters of Ceremonies to him.
The Master is assisted by several Masters of Ceremonies. They at times hold other offices in theRoman Curia. With the most recent appointment on 11 October 2021, there are seven Masters of Ceremonies.[15]
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