Pope Leo XIV bestowed the title of "monsignor" with the distinction of "Chaplain to His Holiness" upon Father Michael J.K. Fuller. Father Fuller serves as the general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, USCCB president, announced the honor during the USCCB's Administrative Committee meeting on March 10, 2026. The proposal for recognition came from Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio and Bishop David J. Malloy, acknowledging Fuller's exemplary priesthood and service. Msgr. Fuller, a priest of the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, has held various roles at the USCCB since 2016.
3 days ago
Pope Leo XIV has bestowed the title of "monsignor" with the distinction of "Chaplain to His Holiness" on Father Michael J.K. Fuller, general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).1 2
The honor was announced by USCCB President Archbishop Paul S. Coakley during the Administrative Committee meeting in Washington on March 10, 2026.1 2
Archbishop Coakley praised Fuller for demonstrating "a pastoral heart, a theologian’s mind, and a worthy steward’s deft guiding hand."1 2
The recognition was proposed last fall by Coakley's predecessor, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, and Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, Fuller's diocese.1 2
Fuller has served the USCCB for a decade, starting in 2016 as head of the Secretariat for Doctrine and Canonical Affairs.1 2
Since 2021, he has led the Office of the General Secretariat, coordinating administrative matters, bishops' committees, meetings, and archives.1 2
Ordained in 1997 for the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, Fuller holds a doctorate in sacred theology, master of divinity, licentiate, and bachelor of sacred theology from Mundelein Seminary.1 2
Before seminary, he volunteered for two years with the Peace Corps in Swaziland (now Eswatini).1 2
Fuller served as associate professor and chair of Spiritual Theology at Mundelein Seminary (2011-2016), and chaired the Department of Christian Life earlier.1 2
He taught at Creighton University's Institute for Priestly Formation, St. Anthony School of Nursing, and diaconate programs in Rockford and Chicago; he edited the Chicago Studies journal and authored two books.1 2
How does the Catholic Church define the role of a monsignor?
Monsignor is an honorary ecclesiastical title bestowed by the Pope on certain priests as a mark of distinction, elevating them above the ordinary ranks of the clergy without conferring jurisdictional authority or sacramental powers beyond those of a priest. It signifies membership in the "family" or retinue (familiares summi pontificis) of the Holy Father, entitling the bearer to specific liturgical privileges, distinctive attire (typically purple), and precedence in ecclesiastical settings.
The Catholic Church defines Monsignor (Monsignore in Italian, Monseigneur in French) as a title of honor attached to various papal distinctions or offices, rather than a direct appointment. It corresponds etymologically to "My Lord" and is reserved for prelates—clergy elevated by the Pope—who form part of his honorary court. Unlike bishops, monsignors do not possess ordinary jurisdiction; the title is purely titular, denoting esteem and a general elevation in dignity.
As explained:
"Monsignor in the spiritual order corresponds to the word officer in the military. The highest general and the youngest lieutenant are equally officers, and the most venerable patriarch bears the title Monsignor as well as the simplest honorary chaplain."
The Baltimore Catechism succinctly states:
"A Monsignor is a worthy priest upon whom the Pope confers this title as a mark of esteem. It gives certain privileges and the right to wear purple like a bishop."
This honor is not hereditary or civil but ecclesiastical, and it lapses with the death of the Pope for certain classes unless renewed.
The title emerged in the 14th century as a customary address for high-ranking persons, initially secular and noble, before becoming ecclesiastical. By the 17th century, it was standardized for prelates, with Pope Urban VIII (1623–1644) reserving "Eminence" for cardinals, excluding them from common "Monsignor" usage outside France. Popes like Leo XIII abolished venality (sale of offices) associated with some prelatial roles.
French usage retains Monseigneur for bishops and archbishops (e.g., "Mgr l'évêque"), sometimes causing confusion with Italian Monsignore for lower prelates. Cardinals once shared the title but no longer do in most languages.
Monsignors encompass a hierarchy of prelates, from high palace officials to honorary chaplains, all entitled to the address "Monsignor" (Reverendissimus, "Right Reverend"). Key classes include:
Religious order members (e.g., Dominicans) may only use "Monsignor" if bishops; generals of orders briefly had it in the 16th century but not enduringly. Patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, and mitred abbots (secular clergy) also bear it.
| Class | Examples | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Real Prelates | Papal Almoner, Privy Chamberlains | Constant papal service; automatic prelature |
| Prothonotaries Apostolic | Cathedral prelate-canons, ad personam | Precedence in chapters; distinctive dress |
| Chamberlains | Supernumerary private, honorary extra urbem | Lapses at Pope's death unless renewed |
| Chaplains | Pontifical common chaplains | Confirmed "Monsignore" title by Pius X (1907) |
Privileges include:
Higher prelates enjoy additional honors, but all share the purple as a common sign. Misuse of attire (e.g., adopting higher ranks) is discouraged, especially far from Rome.
In brief: Definition from 1 (core explanation), 2 (concise esteem), 3 (prelate classes). History from 1,6. Ranks from 1,3,5,10. Privileges from 1,2,3,5.
The Church views monsignor as an honorary distinction for exemplary priests, fostering closeness to the Pope through titular roles, attire, and ceremonial rights, without altering priestly ministry. While practices have evolved since these sources (e.g., post-1913 reforms), the essence remains a papal honor rooted in tradition.