Apostolic Majesty

The title "His (Royal) Apostolic Majesty" was a special name used by the Kings of Hungary. This title showed that they saw themselves as modern-day apostoles of Christianity. It was a way to show their important role in supporting the Christian faith in their country. The kings used this title to show their strong connection to the religious beliefs of the people they ruled.

First creation

The title "Apostolic Majesty" started around the year 1000 A.D. Pope Silvester II gave it to Saint Stephen I, the first Christian king of Hungary. The pope gave this title to Stephen because he worked hard to bring Christianity to Hungary and to teach others about the faith.

Later, the Habsburg dynasty, who became Kings of Hungary in 1526, also used this title. They believed they were continuing Stephen's work as leaders of the country.

Second creation

The nobles of Hungary wanted to give the title "Apostolic Majesty" to King Louis II of Hungary, but this never happened. Later, Emperor Leopold I began using the title "Apostolic Majesty" for the rulers of Hungary.

Holy Roman Empress Maria Theresia, who was also Queen of Hungary, asked the Pope for this special title. The Pope agreed in 1758, and after that, the King of Hungary used the title "Apostolic King of Hungary" after being crowned. This title did not apply to the king's spouse or heir.

After the end of the Holy Roman Empire, Franz Joseph I of Austria and his wife, Empress Elisabeth, used the title "His Imperial and Royal Apostolic Majesty." The title "Apostolic Majesty" was not used after the dissolution of Austria-Hungary in 1918. Even though Hungary was called a kingdom again between 1920 and 1946, there was no monarch to use the title.

Similar titles

The popes gave special titles to leaders of many countries. These titles showed respect and friendship.

For example:

• Venice had the title Most Serene Republic
• France was called Most Christian Majesty around 1380
• Spain was named Most Catholic Majesty in 1493
• England received the title Defender of the Faith in 1521, which was taken away around 1530 but given back in 1543
• Germany’s Holy Roman Emperors were called Defensor Ecclesiae, meaning Protector of the Church
• Poland was given the title Orthodox Majesty in 1661
• Portugal was named Most Faithful Majesty in 1748

Sources and references

This section lists the sources and references used to write about the title "Apostolic Majesty." These help make sure the information is accurate and can be checked by others who want to learn more.