What actually is a  Monsignor?

The origins of monsignors (or “monsignori”) is believed to have originated in the middle ages. It was thought that the men surrounding the pope as his critical advisors should be bishops. However, the concept of a bishop without an actual diocese was a challenging idea and bishops needed to be at home in their dioceses. Therefore, something almost resembling an honorary bishop was created, where a priest dressed similarly to a bishop and used the typical term of address as a bishop of the time “monsignor.” 
  
It may be helpful to note that the title “monsignor” is an honorary title used to address a priest who has received a particular papal honor. No one is actually “made a monsignor,” as the word itself is a form of address. Rather, there currently are three pontifical honors for clergy (i) chaplains of His Holiness, being the lowest rank, (ii) Prelates of Honor, and (iii) Apostolic Protonotaries, the highest rank and quite rare. Those having been confirmed on any of these three ranks of honor make use of the same title “monsignor,” which is actually a term that can be used for bishops, archbishops, and cardinals as well.  
  
The papal honors in question are granted typically for one of two purposes. First, a priest may assume a distinctive office of service, such as a member of the diplomatic corps for the Vatican, or a special ministry of assistance to the bishop. For example, it was very common for a Vicar General to be named a Monsignor. Secondly, the title may be conferred as a form of recognition for some form of distinguished service on behalf of the Church, the People of God. This typically would be seen in the case of priests who undertook special service to the poor, built churches, served their brother priests in a unique way (spiritual director for priests), or some other extraordinary service.  
  
To minimize legitimate concerns related to “clericalism” or “careerism” in the Church, Pope Francis wisely modified the rules for the conferral of these honors so that they are now restricted to those priests who have reached the age of 65. Moreover, a strict limit of no more than ten percent of diocesan clergy may receive the title, and for diocesan priests, the only papal honor conferred is that of Chaplains of His Holiness. Only priests working in the Vatican sometimes receive the higher papal honors. It should be noted that priests belonging to religious orders (Franciscans, Jesuits, Carmelites, etc.) are precluded from receiving honors. Thus, it is only diocesan priests who are among those addressed as “monsignor.” 
  
Faithful priests typically are surprised and humbled when the title is conferred. The most important and meaningful title bestowed upon any priest is that of “father.” To be an ordained father is a priest’s greatest privilege, as it reflects his call to share in the Spirit-empowered, merciful love of God the Father, and Jesus, His beloved Son.  
 
There are currently 11 monsignors in the Diocese of Tucson: 
 

• Msgr. Thomas Cahalane 
• Msgr. John Cusack 
• Msgr. John Lyons 
• Msgr. Jeremiah McCarthy 
• Msgr. Thomas Milane 
• Msgr. Ambrose Nwohu 
• Msgr. Robert Pearson 
• Msgr. Domenico Pinti 
• Msgr. Carlos Romero 
• Msgr. Al Schifano 
• Msgr. Raul Trevizo