ECONOMATO DEI DICASTERI ECCLESIASTICI. — It was established by Pius X (circular of the Secretariat of State, 3 Apr. 1909) as the general Economato for ecclesiastical dicasteries and was administered by a Commission, chosen by the Holy Father, composed of a president, an economo, and a secretary-inspector.
The first task of the Economato for ecclesiastical dicasteries was to draw up an exact inventory of the furnishings and other objects existing in the various dicasteries, and to provide them with whatever they might need (stationery and similar articles, etc.), as it still does today. The Sacred Congregations of Propaganda Fide and of the Holy Office are independent of this Economato.
At present, the Economato for ecclesiastical dicasteries is composed of a cardinal president (a position held by the Secretary of State, who is also president of the cardinal commission for the administration of the property of the Holy See), a vice-president (who is the Monsignor Secretary of the said administration), a cashier, and an auditor.