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Note Regarding the Titles of the Pontifical and Imperial Household of Rome-Ruthenia
United Roman-Ruthenian Church
EN | IT | RU
from the Pontifical Court
15 October 2024
In the Pontifical Imperial State and the United Roman-Ruthenian Church,
the title of Prince-Bishop is sovereign, representing the dual role as
both the spiritual and temporal leader of the Church and State. This
principal title conveys authority over the ecclesiastical and apostolic
realms, extending beyond personal rank. The Prince-Bishop by custom may
also be referred to as Prince or Bishop, while the consort holds the
title of Apostolic Princess. Both hold the style of Apostolic Highness and have additional higher titles that may be formally appended.
In contrast, the title of Grand Duke/Grand Duchess is an honorific held
by immediate family members of the Prince-Bishop, with the style of
Pontifical and Imperial Highness. Although, in regular usage, this
title may appear hierarchically above the Prince-Bishop, this apparent
inversion reflects tradition within the Roman-Ruthenian
Church and State. The Grand Duke/Duchess title is a noble rank and
personal distinction within the Pontifical and Imperial Household but
does not imply sovereignty. The use of the title 'Prince' by the
sovereign pontiff reflects respect for and continuity with ancient
traditions: Princeps (Prince), a title originating with Caesar Augustus, and Knyaz, the ancient Slavic term for a sovereign. Thus, while Prince-Bishop signifies
supreme, indivisible leadership, the Grand Duke/Grand Duchess title
acknowledges high noble status subordinate to the Chief of the
Roman-Ruthenian Church and State.
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