Vestiges of the Papal Court: the Mazzieri Pontifici (Papal Mace-Bearers)

The mazzieri pontifici were protectors of the popes, who as mace bearers carried wrought-silver maces and swords at the service of the papal security detail. Their duty was to accompany solemn papal processions, a feast for the eyes, adding to the pageantry of the occasion. Sadly, this title and its duties were abolished with the reform of the papal court in 1968, as Church authorities sought to remake a perceived "modern" image, "getting with the times," a popular mantra at the time.   

The crucial role of the mazzieri was practical, as part of the overall security detail to protect the pope. Always in solemn processions, they added to the solemnity as the outer layer of protection, walking alongside the cortege, numbering four on each side, accompanied by the Palatine and Swiss Guardsmen. They walked with their left hand on their sword that flanked their side, while holding the mace in their right, adding to the gravitas, the dignity and seriousness of the occasion. 

The papal mazzieri were nine in number and their job was to each carry a ceremonial mace plated in silver, an ornamental object carried over the right shoulder in procession when the pope was present. They were dressed in black livery in Spanish style, with a soprana made of black velvet, black moiré silk, and purple trim, finished off with a starched linen neck ruff collar. From their shoulders hung false sleeves of cloth or twill. In procession, they did not wear their headrest, also garnished with velvet. 

With each new mace-bearer, a new mace was created and given to the man who had the honor to carry it. Each mace newly made bore the arms of the currently reigning Pontiff, embossed in gold on the head in the form of a golden sphere. This way of decorating the mace was a mark of distinction, honoring the pope who appointed each mace bearer. 

The mace obviously represented the authority of the popes, while it could also be used as a defensive weapon, if necessary. It was originally and always remained a tool to protect the popes if there was a crowd surge. Similar mace bearers can also be seen at other religious, civic, and academic functions in Rome and Jerusalem as in other countries.  The tradition has also been maintained for some religious processions in Malta. According to custom, it was always carried before cardinals in Rome, such as at the annual Palazzo Massimo Mass on March 16th every year.  

Below is an explanation of the history and custom of the papal mace-bearers:

"The mace-bearers, usually nine in number, were chosen from among those close to the pope and were constituted into a college headed by a deacon. They were at the service of the Cappella Pontificia and answered to the master of ceremonies. Their origins may go back to the ancient servientes armorum, a security corps created by the Roman popes to ensure their safety and to serve as custodians of the apostolic palaces. While papal ceremonies were taking place, the mace was carried high on the right shoulder, resting in the palm of the right hand; when not in use it was tilted downward under the left arm. Two of the mace-bearers were appointed to the honorary role of attending the episcopal consecrations held in Rome, and they headed the procession, leading the newly elected bishop through the church while the Te Deum was being sung."   [As depicted in the film, The Cardinal, during the episcopal consecration at Sant Maria Sopra Minerva, filmed on location in 1961].

Source: papalartifacts.com

Below was the usual order of procession, although there were some exceptions.  

The 8 Papal Mazzieri are marked by the letter F

This tradition, along with many others, came to a collective end during a difficult time of 1960s revolution. It was a time marked by change and the subversion of established order. A time that was totally disinterested in the deep strata of tradition or the old ways of custom. 

The truth is, these traditions were born of vital human need and resources, with practical application, inspired by noble stirps of the centuries that had as their aim the service and protection of the Roman Pontiff and the edification of the Christian faithful who witnessed these rites. Hopefully one day there will be a return of the venerable college of papal mazzieri. 

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