Jan 15, 2021

Q: When addressing clergy by letter or correspondence, how ought they be called?

A: Any idea what is the most visited page on the Adoremus Website? Answer: “How to Address Church Officials, Bishops, Priests.” What’s more, it is no contest, as this page has seen more visitors each year for more than a decade.

 Perhaps you would like to write a letter to the Pope, to a cardinal, or to your bishop? Or perhaps you’ve wondered not only their mailing address, but which form of address to use (e.g., Dear “Bishop”—or “Your Excellency”—or “Most Reverend”?). If so, please visit the recently updated site at https://adoremus.org/2009/08/how-to-address-church-officials-bishops-priests/. The lost art of letter writing could be just the new year’s resolution you have been looking for.

—Answered by the Editors

The Editors