The 3 most important books on papal liturgy published in 2025

Die 16 ianuarii Anno Domini 2026
Sancti Marcelli Papæ et Martyris

Every year, there are more and more scientific publications devoted mainly to the historical and ceremonial aspects of papal liturgy. It is also not uncommon for young researchers to devote their doctoral theses to the ceremonies and traditions of the Roman Curia. We would like to present three of what we consider to be the most important books published last year, whose main theme is the Cappella Papale.

I. ŁUKASZ ŻAK, Corpus Christi et Vicarius Christi. I papi rinascimentali e l’eucaristia, Dipartimento di Storia della Chiesa, Pontificia Università della Santa Croce, Collana „Quaderni di Storia della Chiesa” 13, Roma 2025, 390 pages.

Father Żak’s book is a pioneering study of the mutual ceremonial and theological interdependence of the Supreme Shepherd and the Holy Eucharist. The author shows that the fact that the Pope celebrated Mass only a few times a year was not solely or primarily the result of practical considerations, but was linked to theological discussions concerning the primacy of the Bishop of Rome. Father Żak bases his work primarily on sources, including the previously unpublished diaries of Paride de Grassi, the papal master of ceremonies during the Renaissance. The publication is based on a doctoral dissertation.

II. SIMONE RAPONI, Cerimonie pontificie alla prova. Tra Ancien Régime e Restaurazione, Studium Edizioni, Collana „Pontificia” 2, Roma 2025, 559 pages.

Father Simone Raponi’s publication is an in-depth analysis of papal ceremonies at a complex moment of “transition” of papal liturgy to a new and difficult reality. The author analyzes in detail the traditional elements of papal ceremonial, such as the conclave, the blessing of objects reserved for the Bishop of Rome, and receptions for representatives of secular authorities, during pontificates marked by logistical, political, and diplomatic adversities. Father Raponi draws on many previously unpublished sources, found mainly in the Apostolic Archives and the Archives of the Masters of Papal Ceremonies. The publication is based on a doctoral dissertation.

III. ANDREA GAGLIARDUCCI, STEFANO SANCHIRICO, I riti scomparsi dei linguaggi pontifici, con appendice fotografico, Editoriale Romani, Collana „Auxilia Juridica” 11, Savona 2025, 95 pages.

The book by Monsignor Stefano Sanchirico (papal master of ceremonies during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI) and Andrea Gagliarducci is the third volume of a trilogy devoted to “papal languages” (linguaggi pontifici) expressed primarily in papal ceremonial. The publication is intended for a general audience and takes the form of analyses and journalistic descriptions, as well as expert commentary by Monsignor Sanchirico. The authors present the old practices related to the burial and coronation of popes, as well as the creation of cardinals and the presentation of traditional gifts to rulers, diplomats, and clergy (stocco and berrettone, Agnus Dei, palms and candles), which were mainly abandoned during the pontificate of Pope Paul VI. The book, like the two previous ones devoted to papal works of charity (2024) and diplomatic protocol (2022), includes a photographic appendix.