palatine prelate
Title of the highest prelates lof the pope's personal suite.
They have the right of residence in the papal palace and are four in number:
- majordomo
- maestrodi camera
- auditor to the pope
- master of the sacred palace
The office of auditor was discontinued as unnecessary by Pope Pius X.
Previously the auditor advised the pope in consistorial and theological matters; later he had judicial power in civil and criminal cases, but since 1831 his duties had been severely restricted.
Pope Benedict XV re-established the office in connection with the Apostolic Signatura.
New Catholic Dictionary
