APOSTOLIC PREACHER. — This is the orator elected by the Supreme Pontiff to preach on fixed days before him, the cardinals, bishops, superiors and procurators-general of religious orders, and prelates of the Curia. The apostolic preacher therefore belongs to the nobility of the Papal Household (v. FAMIGLIA PONTIFICIA) and becomes a palatine prelate with the right to attend papal chapels and other privileges.
The origin of the office of apostolic preacher seems to date from 1555 under Paul IV, and until Benedict XIV it was entrusted to priests chosen from the various religious orders, especially the Jesuits and Capuchins; Benedict XIV, on 2 March 1743, entrusted it in perpetuity to the Capuchin Friars.
The apostolic preacher ordinarily delivers his sermons in the Throne Room: during Advent, on the feasts of St Andrew the Apostle, St Nicholas the Bishop, St Lucy, and St Thomas the Apostle; during Lent, every Friday. The sermons are delivered in Italian, except for that on Good Friday, which is delivered in Latin in the Sistine Chapel after the singing of the Passion. The Pope attends, unseen, behind the so-called screen; the apostolic preacher receives his blessing before the sermon. Although a member of the Papal Household, the apostolic preacher resides at the general curia of his order, having obtained this concession from Benedict XIV himself. Among the most famous apostolic preachers are A. Salmeron and F. Toledo of the Society of Jesus; F. M. Casini of Arezzo and Lodovico Micara of Frascati, Capuchins, who later became cardinals.