Master of the Sacred Palace

St. Dominic, appointed in 1218, was the first Master of the Sacred Palace, the Papal Theologian. Eighty-four Dominicans consecutively succeeded him until the early 20th century. In the Dominican Order, he ranks next to the general, ex-general and vicar-general. He is ex-officio consultor of the Holy Office, prelate-consultor of Rites, and perpetual assistant of the Index. He is consultor of the Biblical Commission, and is frequently consulted on various matters by the pope as his theologian. His official audience occurs once a fortnight.