POPE FRANCIS NEW RULE ON THE TITLE " MONSIGNOR"

The Secretariate at the holy see has issued a statement explaining the change in practice Pope Francis has instituted regarding the granting of the title of Monsignor.
By a circular letter sent to the world's Nunciatures, the Secretariat informed Bishop Conferences that in the World's Dioceses, the only ecclesiatical title henceforth to be conferred shall be " Caplain of his Holiness" to which the appellation " Monsignor" shall correspond.

The circular further clarifies that the use of the title " Monsignor" in connection with certain major offices -where this is a cultural practice ( Bishop, Vicar General etc ) remains unchanged.
With regards to Roman Curia, no changes have been made either in the title or in the use of the appellation Monsignor, these being connected to the offices entrusted and to the services performed.

The title shall be conferred only upon preist who have reached the age of 65.
It also noted that the rule has no retroactive effect thetefore all those who already bear the title Monsignor will not be affected even if they are below the age 65.