Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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ASSISTANTS AT THE THRONE

Originally patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops who, since the eleventh century, were thus specially honored by the Pope. During liturgical ceremonies they were seated near the Pope. Assistants at the throne are now also domestic prelates (antistites urbani). They do not lose their rank with the death of the Sovereign Pontiff.