Description
Monsignor (; Italian: monsignore [monsiɲˈɲoːre]) is a form of address or title for certain members of the clergy in the Catholic Church. Monsignor is the apocopic form of the Italian monsignore , meaning "my lord". "Monsignor" can be abbreviated as Mons. or Msgr. In some countries, the title "monsignor" is used as a form of address for bishops. However, in English- speaking countries, the title is unrelated to the episcopacy, though many priests with the title later become bishops.
The title "monsignor" is a form of address, not an appointment (such as a bishop or cardinal). A priest cannot be "made a monsignor" or become "the monsignor of a parish". The title "Monsignor" is normally used by clergy who have received one of the three classes of papal honors:
- Protonotary apostolic (the highest honored class)
- Honorary prelate
- Chaplain of His Holiness (the lowest honored class)
The pope bestows these honors upon clergy who:
- Have rendered a valuable service to the church
- Provide some special function in church governance
- Are members of bodies such as certain chapters
Clerics working in the Roman Curia and the Vatican diplomatic service are eligible for all three honors. Priests working in a diocese are only eligible for the "Chaplain of His Holiness" honor. Priests must be nominated by their bishop and (for appointments after 2013) must be at least 65 years old.
