The Roman Court or Papal Curia was reformed by the papal bull Pontificalis Domus issues by Pope Paul VI in 1969.
The titles abolished, such as the Grand Master of the Sacred Apostolic Hospice and Marshal of the Holy Roman Church and the Sacred Conclave, remain heredity but are now purely honorary.
The Prince Assistants are representatives of the Roman nobility, who serve at the feet of the Throne immediately next to the cardinal deacon who stands to the right of the pope.
Their principal function is to serve on the occasion of official visits by a head of state.
The reforms of 1969 also abolished the various categories of Secret Chamberlains of the Cape and Sword and changed this title to Gentlemen of His Holiness.