Pope St. Pius X: A Papal Chamberlain Collar

The artifact is a Vatican chamberlain’s  chain of office, known as a “collar,” given to the recipient by Pope St. Pius X (1903 – 1914).  Only a pope could confer this coveted honor.

Its design is a triple-row of belcher-link chains, interspersed with oval-shaped red paste cabochons, each centered by the monogram, ‘SC’, which stands for “Cameriere Segreti di spada e cappa”–Chamberlain of the Sword & Cape. 

There is a detachable pendant in the form of the Vatican coat of arms, and the fitted case has the coat of arms of Pope St. Pius X emblazoned in gold.

The photo, below, of Count Christopher de Paus, wearing the chain of office gives an idea of the size of this collar.

The title, “Papal Chamberlain ” was only conferred by the Pope.  It was considered to be one of the highest honors giving direct access and service to the Pope.

Very few of these were awarded resulting in so few of them having become available to the public.  It is definitely an incredible addition to the Collection.

Count Christopher de Paus, wearing the formal court dress of a papal chamberlain of the sword and cape in Spanish Renaissance style, with a golden chain of office. He was appointed a papal chamberlain by Pope Benedict XV in 1921, reappointed by Pope Pius XI in 1922 and by Pope Pius XII in 1939, and conferred the title of count by Pope Pius XI in 1923.

Further Information about Vatican Chamberlains

A papal chamberlain was, prior to 1968, a court title given by the pope to high-ranking clergy as well as laypersons, usually members of prominent Italian noble families. They were members of the Papal Court and it was one of the highest honors that could be bestowed on a Catholic layman by the pope.

Known as Chamberlain of the Sword and Cape (Cameriere Segreti di spada e cappa) when conferred upon laypersons, it was mostly an honorary position, but a chamberlain generally served the Pope for at least one week per year during official liturgical or state ceremonies.

The office was abolished by Pope Paul VI and replaced with the designation Gentleman of His Holiness for laypersons and other designations for clergy.

Many came from families that had long served the Papal Court over the course of several centuries, while others were appointed as a high honor, one of the highest the papacy conferred on Catholic laymen (often prominent politicians or wealthy philanthropists). They were originally selected from members of Italian royal and aristocratic families. The position was much coveted, and for priests, it was often the final step before becoming a cardinal.

From the days of Pope Leo I (440-461) the pontifical household had included papal chamberlains who were personal attendants to the pope in his private apartments. The number of papal chamberlains was never large, although their proximity to the pope meant that many chamberlains would enjoy notable ecclesiastical careers and some were even promoted to the episcopacy.

Their privileges were considerable. They ranked ex officio as Knights of the Golden Spur (Order of the Golden Militia) and nobles of Rome and Avignon. Prior to Vatican II they provided personal assistance to the pope on formal state occasions as members of the Papal Court.

The dignity was often given to members of noble families of Italy and other countries. They were required, or in practice entitled, to serve for at least one week per year during official ceremonies, and took part in papal processions behind the Sedia Gestatoria, each wearing formal court dress and distinguished by a golden chain of office.

Traditionally, priests who were Papal Chamberlains were addressed as “Very Reverend”. This clerical rank has been superseded by the current designation “Chaplain of His Holiness” which confers the title reverend monsignor.

In ecclesiastical heraldry, laypersons so honored may display a golden chain surrounding their coat of arms.

All appointments were announced in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis.

Note: The papal chamberlain is not  the “Camerlengo” of the Catholic Church or the  “Camerlengo” of the Sacred College of Cardinals.

This is the sedia gestatoria referred to in the above information.  The chamberlains would have walked behind the uniformed men carrying the pope on the chair known as the sedia gestatoria.  Their role was also a coveted position in the Vatican.