Appointments: Sapienza to head Prefecture of Pontifical Household

(Vatican Radio) On Saturday Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Msgr. Paolo De Nicolò, from the post of Regent of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, on having reached the age limit.

The Holy Father has appointed Fr. Leonardo Sapienza, R.C.I., to succeed Msgr. De Nicolò.

It is the task of the Prefecture of the Papal Household to coordinate the services of the Antechamber and to organize the official audiences granted by His Holiness to Heads of State, Heads of Government, Governmental Ministers and other dignitaries, as well as to Ambassadors who come to the Vatican to present their Letters of Credence.

The Prefecture takes care of the preparations for all audiences - private, special and general - and visits from those who are formally received by the Holy Father. It is also responsible for arranging Pontifical ceremonies - except liturgical celebrations - as well as the Spiritual Retreat of the Holy Father, the College of Cardinals and the Roman Curia.

In addition, the Prefecture oversees the appropriate arrangements required each time the Holy Father leaves the Apostolic Palace to visit the city of Rome or travel within Italy.