Grand Almosier of France

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The Grand Almosenier of France ( French Grand Aumônier de France ) was an official of the French monarchy during the Ancien Régime . The office belonged to the grand offices of the household of the King of France , the task concerned the religious side of court life, the chapels .

history

The title was created by King Francis I , and was not part of the major offices of the Crown of France in the declaration of Henry III. from 1582.

The Grand Almosier played a symbolic role as the most important cleric at court. Often of episcopal rank, mostly even cardinal , he had important privileges, such as the jurisdiction over the Paris hospitals; at the death of a king he was entitled to the silver of the royal chapel . The office was often occupied by the large aristocratic families, especially members of the House of Rohan . The Grand Almosenier was supported and represented by a Prime Minister Aumônier .

One of the duties of the Grand Almosier was to give communion to the king and to celebrate the baptisms and weddings of members of the royal family.

List of the Grand Almoseniers of France

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