The audience took place in the Vatican Apostolic Palace and was expressly dedicated to these bodies serving the Pontifical Household, whose daily task accompanies the exercise of the Petrine ministry in a silent but constant manner.
A service marked by fidelity and discretion
In his discourse, delivered in Italian, the Pontiff wished to personally thank those present for the spirit of fidelity with which they carry out their mission. He greeted the Regent of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, and the Vice-Regent, Father Edward Daleng, O.S.A., who are responsible for coordinating the work of these bodies.
Leo XIV highlighted that this dedication accompanies and sustains him daily in the apostolic mission, both in State visits and in audiences and meetings, whether solemn or of a more familiar nature. In this context, he summarized the meaning of their service in three verbs that, in his view, express its essence: “to prepare, to welcome, and to greet”.
Who are the Gentlemen, Chamber Assistants, and Pontifical Sediaries
The Gentlemen of His Holiness form part of the honor service of the Pontifical Household. Today mainly honorary in nature, they collaborate in solemn acts, official audiences, and liturgical celebrations, representing a historical continuity of service to the Pope and of the pontifical ceremonial.
The Chamber Assistants perform operational functions within the Apostolic Palace. Their work focuses on the practical organization of audiences, the order of access, and the proper arrangement of pontifical encounters, ensuring they take place in accordance with the established protocol.
The Pontifical Sediaries, one of the oldest bodies in direct service to the Pope, provide personal and logistical assistance during audiences, liturgical celebrations, and public acts. Traditionally responsible for carrying the sedia gestatoria, today they continue to perform tasks of direct support to the Pontiff in his daily activity.
The three bodies depend on the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household and act in a coordinated manner, especially in the most relevant institutional and liturgical acts.
Protocol, faith, and coherence of life
In his address, Leo XIV recalled that the sober beauty of the pontifical protocol must be reflected in every gesture and attitude of those who serve in the Pontifical Household. Evoking the history of those who preceded them, he exhorted those present to bear witness to those values with a coherent life.
At the conclusion of the audience, Leo XIV encouraged those present to continue with commitment in the various services they perform, each according to their function, and reiterated his recognition by imparting the Apostolic Blessing, which he also extended to their families and loved ones.
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In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you!
Good morning to all, welcome!
Dear Gentlemen, Chamber Assistants, and Sediaries:
I am particularly pleased with this meeting, which—for once—is dedicated precisely to you, and allows me to address you with a word of gratitude and encouragement. I greet the Regent of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, and the Vice-Regent, Father Edward Daleng, O.S.A., who coordinate your service.
To all, I express my recognition, especially for the spirit of fidelity to the Pope with which you carry it out. This dedication accompanies me and helps me daily in the apostolic mission, redounding to the benefit of all those I meet in State visits, in audiences, in the most solemn occasions as well as in the more familiar ones.6
To this end, I think that your work can be well summarized in three verbs, which safeguard its meaning and value: to prepare, to welcome, to greet.
The quality of an encounter, in fact, begins with the care that distinguishes its preparations, even in the details. Rich in history and art, the space we inhabit demands, in this regard, a service as attentive as it is humble. Following the arrangement of the environments comes the diligence of gestures of welcome and greeting that are noble but not affected, elegant but not sophisticated, in such a way that they communicate affability to anyone. Be it prince or pilgrim, patriarch or petitioner, the solicitude of the Successor of Peter remains identical toward all and loving toward each one.
The sober beauty that characterizes the pontifical protocol is reflected in each of your gestures. Thinking of the history of those who have preceded you, bear witness to their values with a coherent life, fully aware that the honor service certainly requires a particular deontology, but even before that, solid faith, and therefore a spiritual style marked by devotion to the Church and the Pope. May the actions, posture, and gazes of each day always be their luminous mirror.
While I exhort you to continue with commitment the various services in which you collaborate, each according to their own function, I confirm my recognition toward you by imparting the Apostolic Blessing, which I gladly extend to your families and loved ones. Thank you!