Between Saint Dominic of Guzmán and Fr. Giertych there are 800 years of difference and two important links: both are Dominicans and Theologians of the Pontifical Household.
FR. WOJCIECH GIERTYCH O.P.
Theologian of the Pontifical Household
I am the theologian of the papal household. Since the 13th century, there is a tradition here in the Holy See that there always is a Dominican who is here at the service of the Holy See and Dominicans should know the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas well and so it's the experience of the Holy See that is good to have somebody besides who may help.
And the work they do keeps evolving, even up until today. The theologian of the Pontifical Household is responsible for reviewing all the speeches that are prepared for the pope. His objective is simple, but essential: that every word that is spoken is according to Catholic doctrine.
The Polish friar has been working dutifully on this for more than 20 years. He started in 2005 with Benedict XVI, then continued under Pope Francis and, now, works with Leo XIV. It's a discreet and silent work that, for two decades, he has been carrying out in his apartment, on the prima loggia of the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican.
But it all began with the founder of his Order, Saint Dominic, and his relationship with Honorius III. It was this pontiff who approved their statutes, which took place in 1216 with the bull 'Religiosam Vitam'. But their connection goes far beyond this...
It is said that Honorius III was related to the Savelli family, who turned one of the hills of Rome, the Aventine, into their fortified stronghold. Inside, there was a Church: the famous basilica of Santa Sabina.
When he was elected, Honorius III arranged for the Basilica of Santa Sabina and some parts of the complex to be given to the Dominicans. And they have remained in their custody for more than eight centuries...
Saint Dominic lived in that church too. Although they did not get to know each other, one of the most important theologians in history also resided there: Saint Thomas Aquinas, who belonged to the Order.
ARCHIVE, 2020
FR. PHILIPP WAGNER
Rector of the Basilica of Santa Sabina (Rome)
We have the cell of St. Dominic. So it was this little room in which he lived, but it's the only visible part that remains from the Basilica herself.
We know that he lived here, but we don't have a remembrance of the room of St. Thomas, or something else.
Before being known as “Theologian of the Pontifical Household,” the position was called “Master of the Sacred Apostolic Palace.” The origins of this station are unclear.
It is not known for certain whether Pope Honorius III established it, nor whether Saint Dominic was the first to hold the position. His portrait appears among the those in the hallway, which features all the Theologians of the Papal Household to date.
What is clear is that the Dominicans have been assisting the pope and the Holy See in theological matters for centuries, inspired by their founder, Saint Dominic of Guzmán.
