Camerlengo

Camerlengo(plural:camerlenghi,Italianfor "chamberlain") is an Italian title of medieval origin. It derives from the lateLatincamarlingus,in turn coming through theFrankishkamerling,from the Latincamerariuswhich meant "chamber officer" (generally meaning "treasure chamber" ).

Description

Camerlengo has been used in thepapal courtfor the following official positions:

• Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church
• Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals,lapsed 1997
• Camerlengo of the Roman Clergy

Some other positions in the papal court were formerly termedpapal chamberlains.Although usually given as an honorary award, the position involved some duties. Laity receiving this honor are now calledPapal Gentlemen,whileclergyare typically appointed as a "Chaplain of His Holiness", a form ofmonsignor.

See also

• Kamerlengo Castle(Croatia)