The designation “Monsignor” is not a rank or office but an honorific form of address or title bestowed upon certain priests. From the Italian monsignore—meaning, “my lord”—“Monsignor” is usually abbreviated as “Msgr.” The designation also involves the privilege of certain clerical attire, in addition to being addressed as “Monsignor.”
The honor has a complex history, but more recently it has been associated with priests who receive one of three different papal honors—Chaplain of His Holiness (the lowest of the three), honorary prelate and protonotary apostolic. Requirements of age and years of priestly service have also varied over the years. Early in his pontificate, Pope Francis limited the bestowal of papal honors to diocesan priests 65 or older and to priests engaged in diplomatic service.
For diocesan priests, the pope bestows the honor following a nomination from their bishop for having rendered valuable service to the diocese or the larger Church, or for having served in some special function. Lay people cannot receive this honor and priests belonging to religious orders do not customarily receive it. Priests working in the Roman Curia or the Vatican diplomatic corps can receive the honor directly from the pope. The practice of a bishop requesting such honors has varied from diocese to diocese, with fewer dioceses engaged in requesting such honors in recent decades.
Though in some countries bishops are often addressed as “Monsignor,” in English-speaking countries bishops are not addressed that way. Whether a priest has been named to such honors is not relevant to whether he would be appointed as a bishop.
Ever wonder about the titles “Very Reverend” or “Most Reverend?” Stay tuned for that information in a future Faith Fact.
