PONTIFICAL ANTECHAMBER. - The P. A. — or rather, as it is called in the Annuario Pontificio, the Noble Secret Antechamber — comprises all those offices whose functions involve immediate service to the person of the Pope. First among its members is the Major-Domo of His Holiness, followed by the Master of the Chamber, the Auditor of His Holiness, the Master of the Sacred Apostolic Palace, the Grand Master of the S. Ospizio, the participating secret chamberlains, and the participating secret chamberlains of sword and cape, for all of whom V. FAMIGLIA PONTIFICIA.
The designation of P. A., or another equivalent one, is not found in Lunadoro’s Relazione della corte di Roma, published in 1661; from this it might be conjectured that the expression was of more recent origin. In the Diari di Roma, which began to be published in 1716, however, the body of persons assigned to the Pope’s immediate service is clearly and repeatedly described as the “secret antechamber.” Given the nature of its duties, it was naturally composed of officials and personnel trusted by the Holy Father; hence, upon the death of the Pontiff, many members of the Noble Secret Antechamber were replaced by other persons enjoying the particular favour of the newly elected Pope. Often, however, Popes confirmed, wholly or in part, the Secret Antechamber of their predecessor.
At all times there were numerous members of the Pope’s household who, during their service, received special commissions of great importance, or were sent to sovereign and princely courts to conduct important business, or to represent the Pontiff at extraordinary ceremonies or events.