Pope Benedict XVI has given papal honors and conferred the title of monsignor to two priests associated with the Archdiocese of Boston, in recognition of their continued and gifted service to the Church.

Msgr. John R. McLaughlin Jr., director of the Catholic Center at Boston University, has been named Chaplain to His Holiness, at the request of Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., S.T.B., Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA. Msgr. James P. Moroney, rector of St. John's Seminary, has been named Prelate of Honor to His Holiness, by the Holy Father, at the request of Bishop Robert Joseph McManus, S.T.D., Diocese of Worcester.

"It is a great honor for these two fine and dedicated priests to be conferred Papal Honors by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI," said Msgr. Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Archdiocese of Boston. "We are immensely proud of their accomplishments on behalf of the Church and their leadership, which is so vital to our Catholic family. We pray for their continued ministry serving the people of God and welcome their ongoing contributions to the good works of the Archdiocese of Boston."

There are three grades of papal honors that are identified with the title of monsignor: Protonotary Apostolic, Prelate of Honor to His Holiness, and Chaplain to His Holiness. Priests who are conferred papal honors and named monsignors are to be considered members of the papal household.