The Holy Father appointed The Most Reverend Monsignor Diego Giovanni Ravelli Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations and Director of the Pontifical Musical Chapel. To date, Monsignor Ravelli was Head of the Apostolic Almonry Office and Pontifical Master of Ceremonies

He Takes Over from Monsignor Marini

 Monsignor Ravelli was born on November 1, 1965 in Lazzate, province of Monza Brianza in Lombardy. He was ordained a priest for the Public Clerical Association of Priests of Jesus Crucified in 1991, and was then incardinated in the Diocese of Velletri-Segni. In 2000 he received a Diploma in Pedagogic Methodology from the Faculty of Education Sciences of the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome and, in 2010, a Doctorate in Sacred Liturgy from the Liturgical Institute of the Apostolic Almonry, where he had been an official since 1998. After having collaborated with the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff in the capacity of Assistant Master of Ceremonies, in 2006 he was appointed Pontifical Master of Ceremonies.

Monsignor Ravelli succeeds Monsignor Guido Marini, appointed Bishop of Tortona. Monsignor Marini was Master of Pontifical Celebration for 14 years, first with Benedict XVI and then with Francis.

The Master’s Tasks

The Master is in charge of supervising and preparing the vestments, the altar and “all that is necessary for the Liturgical Celebrations and other sacred celebrations, which are carried out by the Supreme Pontiff or in his name, and of directing them according to the current prescriptions of Liturgical Law,“ as provided in the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonum. He is responsible in fact for the papal sacristy.

Moreover, during a period of sede vacante he does not lapse from his office but provides for the ascertainment of the Pope’s death and for the solemn pontifical funeral services. He writes and reads the deed about the life and works of the deceased Pontiff. It is up to him to pronounce the solemn “extra omnes” with which the works begin of the Conclave in the Sistine Chapel. Once the new Pope is elected, the Master, as a Notary, writes the report of acceptance of the newly elected with the papal name assumed.

New Papal Master of Ceremonies

 The Holy Father also appointed Papal Master of Ceremonies the Reverend Cristiano Antonietti, Secretary of the Nunziature, to date in service in the General Affairs Section of the Secretariat of State.

Translation by Virginia M. Forrester