Master of ceremonies

The term is earliest documented in the Catholic Church since the 5th century, where the master of ceremonies is an official of the Papal Court responsible for the proper and smooth conduct of the elaborate rituals involving the pope and the sacred liturgy.

Today, the term is often used to connote a person who presents performers, speaks to the audience, entertains people, and generally keeps an event moving.

This usage occurs in the entertainment industry, for example in reference to television game show hosts, as well as in contemporary hip-hop and electronic dance music culture.

The Master of Ceremonies is an official of the Papal household responsible for the proper and smooth conduct of the elegant and elaborate rituals involving the Pope and the sacred liturgy.

Since the apostolic constitution Pastor bonus of June 28, 1988, the organizing and conducting of liturgies and other religious ceremonies performed by the pope comes under the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.

"[4] The Master of Ceremonies may also have responsibility for the physical security of the place of worship during the liturgy, and be familiar with appropriate procedures in case of a medical emergency.

The Master of Ceremonies coordinates with any concelebrating priests, deacons, altar servers and sometimes the lectors and music ministers to ensure each knows when and how to perform their liturgical functions.

At major festivities such as Christmas and Easter, when the liturgies are long and complex, the Master of Ceremonies plays a vital role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

The current (2021-2026) papal Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations is Monsignor Diego Giovanni Ravelli, who succeeded Bishop Guido Marini.

Genres of electronic dance music where MCs perform include house, drum and bass, UK garage and grime.

The compère is usually a working comedian, and whilst they may incorporate elements of their regular set, the role broadly requires a greater level of improvisation – creating a sense of place and community, interacting with the audience, dealing with any hecklers, and encouraging them to focus on the other acts.