The dignity of protonotary apostolic was the highest distinction that could receive a priest who did not have episcopal ordination. Over the centuries, various privileges and titulary associated with that dignity underwent significant changes. The Second Vatican Council re-emphasized the differences between the ordination second and third grade. Therefore, it was necessary to revise the existing regulations regarding, inter alia, the privilege of use the episcopal insignia by the priests. The article is an analysis of the contemporary norms regarding the dignity of the protonotary apostolic and related privileges. This article attempts to take consideration of the current possibilities of use by protonotaries apostolic the episcopal vestments.
