Although there are more than 100 Maltese monsignors, when the two dioceses of Malta and Gozo are taken into account, the number of ‘real’ monsignors – who obtained their title following the recommendation by a bishop and the approval of the Pope – amount to just 28 in Malta and 19 in Gozo.
In another move to simplify the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy, Pope Francis last week issued new directives to its bishops so that the honorific title of monsignor will only be given to priests who are at least 65, and thus have already given a life of service to the Church.
However, these new directives are not retroactive, meaning that all current monsignors can retain their titles.
According to a senior cleric, there is a clear distinction in the Church’s hierarchy between monsignors conferred by Rome and the others.
“What normally happens is that bishops recommend a list of new monsignors to Rome and the Pope approves.”
The Vatican currently confers three different titles of monsignors: Monsignore Cappellano di Sua Santita (Chaplain of His Holiness); Monsignore Prelato d’Onore (Honorary Prelate) and Monsignore Proto Notario Apostolico (Apostolic Pronotary).
Bishops recommend a list of new monsignors to Rome and the Pope approves
However, apart from these papal designations, all priests serving in cathedrals, known as canons, are allowed to hold the title of monsignor.
“This means that there is a clear distinction between papal monsignors and the others serving in the Gozo Cathedral and the ones in Mdina and Valletta,” another senior cleric explained.
Most of Malta’s papal monsignors are over 65; however, there are a few exceptions who have obtained their Vatican title at a much younger age.
Mgr Paul Carmel Vella from Siġġiewi, still 52, is thought to be the youngest monsignor in the Maltese diocese.
The title monsignor – which literally means ‘my lord’ – dates back centuries and brings minor privileges with it, such as allowing those who have it to wear slightly different ceremonial garb to distinguish themselves. This normally includes the colour purple, used also by bishops.
Since his election in March, Pope Francis has warned priests to refrain from using the Church to advance their personal careers.
Until now, bishops could ask the Vatican to confer the title of monsignor on priests over 35 as a distinction from the rest of the clergy.