Prefecture of the Papal Household

The Prefecture of the Papal Household (Prefettura della Casa Pontificia) is the office in charge of the Papal Household, a section of the Roman Curia containing the Papal Chapel (Cappella Pontificia) and the Papal Family (Familia Pontificia).

The position of prefect has been held by Archbishop Petar Rajič since 30 March 2026.

Functions

According to the Vatican: It is the task of the Prefecture of the Papal Household to coordinate the services of the Antechamber and to organize the official audiences granted by His Holiness to Heads of State, Heads of Government, Governmental Ministers and other dignitaries, as well as to Ambassadors who come to the Vatican to present their Letters of Credence. The Prefecture takes care of the preparations for all audiences – private, special and general – and visits from those who are formally received by the Holy Father. It is also responsible for arranging Pontifical ceremonies – except liturgical celebrations – as well as the Spiritual Retreat of the Holy Father, the College of Cardinals and the Roman Curia. In addition, the Prefecture oversees the appropriate arrangements required each time the Holy Father leaves the Apostolic Palace to visit the city of Rome or travel within Italy.

Created by the 1967 reforms of Pope Paul VI, the Prefecture has competence for matters that once belonged to several offices that have been suppressed: the Ceremonial Congregation, the offices of the Majordomo, the Master of the Chamber, and the Master of the Sacred Apostolic Palaces, and the Heraldic Commission for the Papal Court.Annuario Pontificio 2012, p. 1849

It is headed by a Prefect, assisted by a Regent, each of whom serves for a term of five years.Pope Francis. The Apostolic Constitution "Preach the Gospel" (Praedicate Evangelium): With an Appraisal of Francis's Reform of the Roman Curia by Massimo Faggioli, Liturgical Press, 2022, p. 102

The Prefecture runs the Apostolic Palace, containing the Papal Apartments, and the Villa Barberini in the town of Castel Gandolfo.

Papal Chapel and Papal Family

The Papal Chapel has a membership that includes the Cardinals, the Patriarchs, the Archbishops who head departments of the Roman Curia, and the secretaries of the Congregations.Annuario Pontificio 2012, pp. 1254-1255

The Papal Family has lay members as well as clergy. Among the ecclesiastics who have membership are other high officials of the Roman Curia, but also all apostolic protonotaries, Honorary Prelates and Chaplains of His Holiness,Annuario Pontificio 2012, p. 1254 while the lay members include all Gentlemen of His Holiness, the Commandant of the Papal Swiss Guard and the Counsellors of the State of Vatican City.Annuario Pontificio 2012, p. 1255

The Papal Family includes among its members the Theologian of the Pontifical Household, since 2005 Father Wojciech Giertych, and the Preacher to the Papal Household, Roberto Pasolini, OFMCap since 2024.

The Papal Family also includes those who look after the Pope's daily household affairs, such as those who actually keep house and cook for him, including those who may act as his butler.Time (magazine)Allen, Jr., John L., All the Pope's Men, Crown Publishing Group, 2007, p. 39

List of Prefects of the Papal Household

+ Prefecture of the Papal Household Pope Prefects Regents Name Term Name Term Name Term Paul VI 1963–1978 Mario Nasalli Rocca di Corneliano 1968–1969 Vacant (1958–1969) Jacques-Paul Martin 1969–1986 Dino Monduzzi 1969–1986 John Paul I 1978 John Paul II 1978–2005 Dino Monduzzi 1986–1998 Vacant (1986–1991) Leonardo Sandri 1991–1992 Vacant (1992–1994) Paolo De Nicolò 1994–2012 James Harvey 1998–2012 Benedict XVI 2005–2013 Georg Gänswein 2012–2023 Leonardo Sapienza 2012–present Francis 2013–2025 Vacant 2023–2026 Leo XIV 2025–present Petar Rajič 2026–present In addition: Stanisław Dziwisz; adjunct prefect 1998–2005 Edward Daniang Daleng; vice-regent 2025–present

Prefecture of the Papal Household

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