He’s the only cleric formally allowed to give homilies to the Holy Father.
Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa speaks at St. Peter’s Basilica every Good Friday and preaches to the Pope every Friday during Advent and Lent.
“Some say, ‘There is too much injustice, too much suffering in the world, to believe in God.’ It’s true, but let’s think for a moment how much more absurd and hopeless the evil that surrounds us becomes without faith in a final triumph of truth and good.”
The title, Preacher of the Papal Household or Apostolic Preacher, dates back to the mid-1500s when Pope Paul IV was reforming the Church and the Roman Curia.
Before that, the title Apostolic Preacher was given to some sacred orators, but it was purely honorary and no Apostolic Preacher actually preached in the presence of the Pope.
The office was held by various religious orders until the 18th century, when it was assigned permanently to the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor.
The current Capuchin in the role, Cardinal Cantalamessa, was appointed by Pope John Paul II in 1980.
Pope Benedict XVI renewed his appointment in 2005 and later Pope Francis retained him in his post as well. In 2020, he was made an honorary cardinal since he was already over the age of 80.
In his four decades since taking on the role, he has preached to a Pope more than 300 times, including this occasion in December of 2022, when he used his reflection to celebrate Pope Francis’ birthday.
Someone suggested to me that since tomorrow is the birthday of our beloved Holy Father, we should recite a Salve Regina for him together.
Cardinal Cantalamessa officially turned 90 on Monday, July 22.
So happy birthday to him and we pray he will continue to be able to preach for the Papal Household for years to come.