Grand Master of the Sacred Apostolic Hospice

The Grand Master of the Sacred Apostolic Hospice (Gran Maestro del Sacro Ospizio), or Quartermaster-General of the Sacred Palaces, is an hereditary official of the Pontifical Household. The title and office became hereditary on June 28, 1808, when Pope Pius VII appointed Prince Francesco Ruspoli as Grand Master.[1]

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).

Position by date

1808-1829 Prince Francesco Ruspoli, III Prince of Cerveteri
1829-1842 Prince Alessandro Ruspoli, IV Prince of Cerveteri
1842-1876 Prince Giovanni Ruspoli, V Prince of Cerveteri
1876-1907 Prince Francesco Ruspoli, VI Prince of Cerveteri
1907-1942 Prince Alessandro Ruspoli, VII Prince of Cerveteri (post was confirmed May 26, 1916)
1942-1989 Prince Francesco Maria V Ruspoli, VIII Prince of Cerveteri [2]
1989-2005 Prince Alessandro "Dado" Ruspoli, IX Prince of Cerveteri
2005- Prince Francesco Ruspoli, X Prince of Cerveteri

See also

References

  1. ^ Brooke, Douglas (1911) The Secrets of the Vatican. J.B. Lippincott.
  2. ^ the reform of the Papal Curia abolished the post in 1968, keeping the title purely honorary.