Prefecture of the Papal Household

The Prefecture takes care of the preparations for all audiences – private, special and general – and visits from those who are formally received by the Holy Father.

It is also responsible for arranging Pontifical ceremonies – except liturgical celebrations – as well as the Spiritual Retreat of the Holy Father, the College of Cardinals and the Roman Curia.

In addition, the Prefecture oversees the appropriate arrangements required each time the Holy Father leaves the Apostolic Palace to visit the city of Rome or travel within Italy.

[4] The Prefecture runs the Apostolic Palace, containing the Papal Apartments, and the Villa Barberini in the town of Castel Gandolfo.

[citation needed] The Papal Chapel has a membership that includes the Cardinals, the Patriarchs, the Archbishops who head departments of the Roman Curia, and the secretaries of the Congregations.