If you were able to watch the funeral Mass for Pope Francis, you were probably struck by the white-gloved men in dark suits who were pallbearers and carried his coffin.
They were not just some randomly selected men, the were members of what is known as “The Gentlemen of His Holiness” or “Papal Gentlemen”.
The “Gentlemen of His Holiness” is a group of about 150 “gentlemen” who are lay members of the Pontifical Household. They participate in civil ceremonies and formal receptions for heads of state, heads of government and others. They are responsible for welcoming and escorting dignitaries who visit the Vatican.
The role was established by Pope Paul VI in 1968. It is a local name for the old court position of valet de chambre. The appointee is an unpaid volunteer. To be appointed is an honor.
It is a local name for the old court position of valet de chambre. Often times they are the first faces many see when visiting the Pope’s residence.
The men are part of the pope’s inner circle and are present during key events.
The men also have the duty of acting as pallbearers during a pope’s funeral (as shown here carrying the coffin of Pope Francis at his funeral).
Ever wonder about the difference between a casket and a coffin? Well, here is the difference:
The primary difference between a coffin and a casket lies in their shape and the way they are designed for viewing the deceased.
Caskets are rectangular with four sides, and often feature a split lid that allows for viewing of the deceased’s upper body.
Coffins are typically tapered, wider at the shoulders than at the feet, have six sides and allow for viewing of the deceased’s entire body, as was the case (among others) in the funerals of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XIV and Pope Francis.