The definitions included in this glossary are associated with the objects contained in this Collection. They are not necessarily the only definitions but are indicative of the information contained in the Papal Artifacts web site.

Wherever applicable, an example of the definition being given from the Collection will be suggested for your viewing.

Papacy

Note: papacy is a noun from the Medieval Latin papatia, meaning papa.

The period of time during which a pope is in office.

The office and jurisdiction of a pope.

Papal States

A group of territories in central Italy ruled by the popes from 754 until 1870 when Italy seized control of them.

Between 1870 and the Lateran Treaty of 1929 (which restored full civil power to Vatican City State) the Vatican had no governing power of its own and the popes were prisoners in a small enclave of buildings. They never left the Vatican once elected pope.

Pectoral Cross

A relatively large cross suspended from the neck by a cord or chain reaching well down the chest. It is worn by the clergy as an indication of their position and is different from the small crosses worn by many Christians.

While many Christians wear crosses, the size and location distinguish the pectoral cross. It may be up to six inches across and is worn in the center of the chest below the heart (as opposed to just below the collarbones).

You can view a pectoral cross in this Collection at A Pectoral Cross Given by Pope Paul to All Bishops

Pontiff

In the Catholic Church the bishop of Rome is called the pope or the pontiff. While this expresses his authority as the head of the Catholic Church, other names used to designate his place of honor among the people are the Holy Father and the Vicar of Christ.

Pontificate

A noun used in this Collection to denote the position or the period in office of the pope.

The office or governing body of the Catholic Church headed by the pope.

Presentation Frame

A type of framed object, often a photo where the frame is included as part of the gift. In the Collection it designates the often beautiful frame containing an autograph of a famous person, usually a pope. An example of this is the Autographed Photo of Pius XI.

Printer’s Block

A hand-engraved or carved block of wood used in printing.

You can view a printer’s block at Leo XIII: Printer's Block With the Image of His Coat of Arms.

Pro Ecclesia Honors

Papal honors given to people who have been nominated by their local bishops because they have been extremely helpful to their local church.

You can view Pro Ecclesia honors in this Collection at Pius X and Pius XII: Pro Ecclesia Honors.

Relic

From the Latin reliquiae, meaning remains.

The actual remains or an object associated with a saint or martyr. These remains or objects are esteemed and venerated in many religious traditions because of their association with the person.

Relics are in classes. First class relics are the actual remains of the person being venerated.

Second class relics are objects (for example, clothing) that have touched the person being venerated.

You may view any number of relics in the Collection simply by searching Relics. One is a Reliquary Containing Hair From Pope Pius VII.

Reliquary

A container or shrine in which sacred relics are kept.

Pius V's White Cassock is a relic in this Collection contained in a reliquary for your viewing.

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