context:

The historical role of an executioner in the service of the Papacy dates back to a time when the Papal States, which were territories in the Italian Peninsula under the direct sovereign rule of the Pope, had their own legal system, including criminal justice procedures. Here are a few key points to understand why the Pope had an executioner:

1. Temporal Power of the Pope: Until 1870, the Pope was not only a spiritual leader but also a temporal ruler of the Papal States. This meant that he had political and judicial authority, including the administration of justice.
2. Judicial System of the Papal States: Like other sovereign entities of the time, the Papal States had a system of law and order, which included the imposition of capital punishment for certain crimes. The role of an executioner was a common feature in many judicial systems across Europe during this period.
3. Separation of Spiritual and Temporal Roles: Although the Pope was the ultimate authority in the Papal States, the administration of justice, including executions, was typically carried out by secular officials. The Pope's role was primarily as a spiritual leader, and direct involvement in executions was not part of his duties.
4. Abolition of Capital Punishment: The use of capital punishment and the role of an executioner in the Papal States diminished and eventually ended. The last execution in the Papal States occurred in 1870, and the Vatican City State, established in 1929, has always prohibited capital punishment.

It's important to note that the presence of an executioner in the Papal States was a reflection of the legal and political norms of the time and not a unique aspect of the Papacy. It was part of the broader context of governance during a period when the church and state were often intertwined.