Patriarchs established themselves in Acre; and, when that fortress fell in 1291, the Patriarchate ceased effectively to exist, although ten more de juve occupants of the see, including one Englishman, Antony Beake, Bishop of Durham (Patriarch, 1305–1311), were appointed. The dignity of Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem then became a purely titular one, accorded to prelates of the Roman Curia, and so remained until the de facto revival of the see in 1847.
Custodia of Terra Santa.—During the five and a half centuries in which the Patriarchate was in abeyance the Latin Holy Places in Palestine were in the charge of the Franciscan Order under the 'Most Reverend Father Custodian of Terra Santa,' who was and is the Superior of the Franciscan establishments in Palestine, Syria, Egypt, and Cyprus. The Father Custodian during this period had quasi-episcopal jurisdiction, could administer confirmation and the minor Orders, conferred the Latin Order of the Holy Sepulchre on behalf of its Grand Master, the Pope, and had the right to maintain a merchant marine flying the flag of Terra Santa (argent a cross potent between four crosses crosslet gules).
Revival of the Patriarchate.—In 1847 Pope Pius IX. re-established the Patriarchate as a resident see, and the Patriarchs resumed these special rights from the Custodia. The Latin Patriarchs of Jerusalem are now Lieutenants of the Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, in whose name they are entitled to bestow the Order.
The Patriarchs since 1847 have been: Giuseppe Valerga, 1847–1872; Vincenzo Bracco, 1873–1889 ; Ludovico Piavi, 1889–1905; Filippo Camassei, K.B.E. (afterwards Cardinal), 1906–1919 ; Luigi Barlassina, 1920–.
The Custodia To-day.—The Fathers Custodians are appointed for a period of six years by the General of the Franciscan Order and are always of Italian nationality. They are assisted by a French Vicar, a Spanish Procurator, and a Council of Four composed of an Englishman, a Frenchman, an Italian and a Spaniard. Much valuable
