In 1586 Pope Sixtus V raised Loreto to the rank of "City" and "Diocese", subjugating the town of Recanati (since then Loreto was a part of Recanati). But owing to the strong remonstrances of the "Recanatesi", Pope Clemens VIII in 1592 returned to Recanati episcopal see, joining it to Loreto, again.

The diocese of Recanati-Loreto lasted since 1934, when Pope Pio XI abolished the bishop's chair of Loreto, putting the Sanctuary under the direct autority of the Holy See, exercised by a Pontifical Administrator.

At last the 24th June 1965, Paolo VI, with the Apostolic Consitution "Lauretanae Almae Domus" abolished the Ponifical Administration and astablished the Pontifical Delegation for the Sanctuary of Loreto and the Prelature of the Holy House, including all and only the municipal territory of Loreto, raising the bishop's chair in the Basilica.