Is this really proper etiquette for writing to the pope?

[waltong85]

A Protestant friend of mine just found an article about proper etiquette when writing the pope a letter. It states:

Prostrate at the feet of Your Holiness and imploring the favor of its apostolic benediction, I have the honor to be, Very Holy Father, with the deepest veneration of Your Holiness, the most humble and obedient servant and son/daughter…

Why is this stated as such? And where does this come from?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

I suspect that the source your friend found is from the 19th century or earlier. In earlier centuries, it was common for someone writing to an honored person (secular or clerical) with flowery sentiments of respect and honor. That is why you’ll see in 19th-century correspondence sign-offs like “I have the honor to remain Your Obedient Servant.” No one really thought he was signing up for the position of Obedient Servant; it was just a way to express personal humility in the presence of someone who deserved honor and respect (either by virtue of his deeds or the office he held). In the case of exalted persons, whether civil or religious, the sentiments became even more elaborate and gushy.

These days, there is no expectation that Catholics use such language in writing to the pope. At most, a simple “Respectfully yours” will suffice.