Senior governmental officer of the Pontifical Imperial State
The Prefect-General is a senior officer in the government of the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia and a principal official associated with the Patriarchal Curia and Pontifical Court. The office is distinct from that of a Prefect who heads a specialized curial department.
The Prefect-General, more formally known as the Prefect-General of the Pontifical Imperial State, assists in the temporal and administrative service of the Holy Apostolic See under the authority of the Roman-Ruthenian Pope. In the order of precedence, a cleric holding the office ranks among the Prelates of the Fiocchetto. The office has also been associated with the dignity of Senator of Florence.
Specific duties may be assigned or modified by the Supreme Pontiff according to the needs of the Church and State.