In 1925 it became a reference to the dictatorial position of Sua Eccellenza Benito Mussolini, Capo del Governo, Duce del Fascismo e Fondatore dell'Impero ('His Excellency Benito Mussolini, Head of Government, Leader of Fascism and Founder of the Empire').

'Supreme Leader') was more formally used by Victor Emmanuel III in 1915, during World War I, referring to his role as the commander in chief of the armed forces.

The first record of the term being used in reference to Mussolini dates to a banquet held in his honor in Forlì in 1912, celebrating his new position as editor-in-chief of Avanti!.

Because of modern anti-fascist sentiment, Italian speakers in general now use other words for leader, mainly including the English loanword.

Mussolini intended that the Grand Council of Fascism would choose a successor from a list of three men chosen by him, and submit the name for approval by the King.