Papal Mass

A Papal Mass is the Solemn Pontifical High Mass celebrated by the Pope himself.

A solemn papal Mass is celebrated on solemn occasions such as a papal coronation, an ex cathedra pronouncement, the canonization of a saint, or a major feast such as Easter or Christmas.

Until the 1960s, there were numerous special ceremonials that were particular to the pope, but many have fallen out of use, some last practiced during the time of Pope Pius X (reigned 1903–1914) and others not practiced since the time of Pope Paul VI (reigned 1963–1978).

What follows is a description of usage in the early 20th century, before the liturgical reforms of Popes Pius X and Paul VI.

In the papal Mass a cardinal-bishop acted as assistant priest; this honor fell on the most solemn occasions to the Cardinal-bishop of Ostia, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Cardinal-deacons acted as deacon and assistant deacons. An auditor of the Sacra Rota served as subdeacon. There were also a Greek-Catholic deacon and subdeacon, vested according to the Byzantine Rite. The other offices were filled by the assistants to the pontifical throne, the members of the prelatical colleges, etc.

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