'pro-' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'pro', where 'pro' meant 'for'; 'ministerial' derives from Latin 'ministerialis' via Medieval Latin and Old French, ultimately from Latin 'minister' where 'minister' meant 'servant' or 'attendant'.

'minister' came from Latin 'minister' → Old French 'ministre' → Middle English 'minister'; the adjective 'ministerial' formed from 'minister' + the suffix '-ial' in English; the compound 'pro-ministerial' is a modern English formation combining the prefix 'pro-' + 'ministerial'.

Initially, 'minister' meant 'servant' or 'attendant' in Latin; over time it came to refer to a governmental official ('minister'), and 'ministerial' came to mean 'relating to a minister or ministry'; 'pro-ministerial' therefore now means 'in favor of or supportive of such ministers or the ministry'.