Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
camerlengo
Noun
/ˌkæm.ərˈlɛŋ.ɡoʊ/
Definition
The camerlengo is a high official of the Roman Catholic Church responsible for the administration of the papal properties and managing the Church’s affairs during a papal vacancy.
Examples
- The camerlengo announced the death of Pope John Paul II.
- During the sede vacante, the camerlengo assumes certain administrative responsibilities within the Vatican.
Meaning
The term ‘camerlengo’ comes from the Italian word meaning ‘chamberlain’, and it refers specifically to the cardinal in charge of the papal household during the time between the death of a pope and the election of a new one.
Synonyms
- Chamberlain
- Household official
- Vatican administrator
