PAPAL ANTE-CHAMBER. - L'A. P. - or rather, as it is read in the Annuario Pontificio, the Noble Secret A. - comprises all those offices whose function is immediate service to the person of the Pope. First among its members is the Majordomo 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 Holy Hospice, the Participating Secret Chamberlains, and the Participating Secret Chamberlains of Sword and Cape, for all of whom v. PONTIFICAL HOUSEHOLD.
The designation A. P., or another equivalent, is not found in Lunadoro, Relazione della corte di Roma, published in 1661; and from this one might conjecture that the expression was less ancient. In the Diari di Roma, which began to be published in 1716, however, the body of persons assigned to the immediate service of the Pope is clearly and repeatedly described as the "secret a." Given the nature of its competences, it is natural that it should be made up of officials and personnel in the confidence of the Holy Father: whence the consequence that, upon the death of the Pontiff, many members of the Noble Secret A. were replaced by other persons who enjoyed the particular benevolence of the newly elected Pope. Often, however, the Popes confirmed in whole or in part the Secret A. of their predecessor.
At all times the familiars of the Pope were numerous who, during their service, received special assignments of great importance or were sent to sovereign and princely courts to transact matters of consequence, or to represent the Pontiff at ceremonies or extraordinary events.