FLORENCE 22 January 2020 (ORCNS) - The heritage of the modern Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarchate, now in its tenth year, evolved from a history spanning more than 2000 years, involving several historical European states. The traditional shepherd of the Imperial Patriarchate is the Patriarch. Formally known as the "Archfather" or "Florentine Archfather," the office retains a number of other historic titles, each referring to a specific element of the patriarchate’s complex history and heritage. This article explains select meanings, history, and modern use.
Florentine Archfather & Cardinal Count of Sainte Animie
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Leo X |
The title of Cardinal Count of Sainte Animie is concurrent with that of Archfather as a personal union. It is of Merovingian* origin tied to the Burgundian royal house of Arles and the Spanish royal houses of Ivrea and Barcelona, to which the Archfather is heir in Imperial Italy. The title provides a link between the Spanish Empire and Florence, Tuscany, and the Kingdom of Italy in the Holy Roman Empire. The style refers to the title of Cardinal Deacon of Santa Maria Antiqua in Rome, held ex officio by the Imperial Patriarch.
* The Merovingian dynasty was the Frankish (German) ruling family from the mid-5th century until 751. They were known as Kings of the Franks, and their territory included much of modern-day France, and parts of Germany. They were the precursor to the Holy Roman Empire and were succeeded by the family of Charlemagne.
Archprince-Bishop of St. Stephen
The Archprince-Bishop of St. Stephen is the principal episcopal title of the Archfather. It refers to apostolic authority as a bishop and secular authority based on the specific patrimony of office. Its scope includes Florence and Italy in the Holy Roman Empire, and titular elector of the Holy Roman Empire.
Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarch
The Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarch refers to patriarchal authority over the Imperial Patriarchate, which extends beyond the direct patrimony of the Archfather himself. The historic territories of Westphalia, Würzburg, Trier, Mainz, and Frankfurt in the Holy Roman Empire, and portions of North America are included.
Prince of Florence in the Holy Roman Empire
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Church of St. Stephen al Ponte Florence |
Vice-King of Italy and the Holy Roman Empire
The title of Vice-King of Italy in the Holy Roman Empire and Imperial Vice Chancellor of Italy is ecclesiastical successor of the ancient Margraviate of Tuscany in the Holy Roman Empire, in descent from the ancient Margraves of Tuscany and Kings of Italy in the Holy Roman Empire. The first known Vice-King of Italy was Bosone d'Arles, King of Lower Burgundy, one of the founding fathers of the heritage of the Imperial Patriarchate.