Pope Francis: Too Many Monsignors.

On January 7, 2014, Pope Francis issued a rule stipulating that priests cannot be given the title of monsignor until they have reached the age of sixty-five. Bishops can only nominate these men for the honor of "Chaplain to his Holiness."

The title of monsignor is honorific, in other words, nice, and, at times, a bit pompous. I remember when I was pastor in a large parish in Las Vegas, a disgruntled guy who did not get the answer he wanted to hear from me, the pastor, turned around as he was stomping to his car and yelled: "AND YOU AREN"T EVEN A MONSIGNOR!"

No, and I never will be either. I belong to a religious community, the Congregation of the Resurrection, and we by church law cannot accept the title of monsignor. Darn it!

A monsignorship is often given to some priest who has done good work in pastoral ministry for a long time. Just as often, the title is given to chancery officials, especially those who hold powerful positions in the bishop's office. Regardless, once a monsignor, always a monsignor. The men who already hold the title, get to keep it for life.

Monsignors used to come in various flavors -- grades of honor-- that would indicate how important a monsignor you were. Also, monsignors wear special robes lined with purple which sets them apart from ordinary priests. But, monsignors have no more authority than other priests. For example, they can't ordain men to the priesthood like a bishop can. But, they can throw their weight around.

Pope Francis is trying to eliminate the sense of lordship that comes with that title. He wants priests to be with their people and work with the poor. 

He wants us to be humble, for heaven's sake.

There are at present disgruntled priests here in the U.S. who now feel cheated out of an honor that they feel they have a right to. This is the precise reason Pope Francis has issued this rule. The title "Father" is going to have to be good enough to last throughout the lives of most priests.