The institute was canonically erected on 1 September 1990 by Gilles Wach and Philippe Mora in Gabon, Africa, where the institute still has missions, notably in the capital Libreville. Its canonical status was of diocesan right until 7 October 2008. On that date it was granted the status of pontifical right by decree, titled "Saeculorum Rex", of the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei", on the occasion of the visit of Camille Perl, vice-president of the commission. Deacons and priests are incardinated into the institute, whose prior general has the right to call to orders. The institute is currently based in Gricigliano, Italy, in the Archdiocese of Florence. The international seminary of St. Philip Neri is also located there.