On the agenda of the King and Queen of Spain during their trip to Rome, in addition to their first official meeting with Pope Leo XIV, will be another key event for the monarchs—a unique distinction: taking on the role of honorary canon in the only papal basilica in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
But what does it mean to be an honorary canon in such a place?
JOSÉ JAIME BROSEL
Canon of Santa Maria Maggiore
The ‘proto’ is the first among the canons. In fact, in the list of canons, he appears as number one. It is a completely honorary role; naturally, it does not involve liturgical obligations. It is simply a distinction granted to him when he comes to the basilica.
So why does this relationship exist between Spain and the Basilica of Saint Mary Major? Why this one and not Saint Paul Outside the Walls or Saint John Lateran?
JOSÉ JAIME BROSEL
Canon of Santa Maria Maggiore
This title is part of a tradition, a historical link between Spain and the basilica. There are many elements throughout history that demonstrate this relationship.
Part of the first gold that arrived from the Americas— a gift from the Catholic Monarchs—was used to create the coffered ceiling that still survives today, bearing the coat of arms of Alexander VI and his Borgia family.
In other words, there are many elements that highlight and make evident the great devotion of the Spanish people to the Virgin Mary, reflected and embodied in Santa Maria Maggiore.
The most important relic preserved in this basilica is the Holy Cradle of the Child Jesus of Bethlehem, and Margaret of Austria, wife of Philip III, donated the reliquary that houses it.
JOSÉ JAIME BROSEL
Canon of Santa Maria Maggiore
It was with Philip IV and Pope Innocent X that this relationship was confirmed and strengthened through a papal bull. It is no coincidence that in the atrium of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore there is a statue of Philip IV, designed by Bernini, although executed by one of his disciples.
The turning point in this close relationship came in 1952, when Pope Pius XII issued the bull Hispaniarum Fidelitas, establishing the King of Spain as the honorary canon of the basilica, and that prayers would be said for the Spanish monarchy three times a year at specific moments. Donations and gifts from the Spanish state continue to this day.
JOSÉ JAIME BROSEL
Canon of Santa Maria Maggiore
Recently, a few years ago, the lighting of the basilica was funded by the company Endesa and inaugurated in the presence of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía.
This visit to the Vatican will also allow Queen Letizia to use what is known as the “privilege of white,” which permits queens of Catholic monarchies to wear white before the Pope, just as she did last May, when the Spanish monarchs invited the Pope to visit their home, an invitation that will be fulfilled next June.
AT
Trans. CRT
