Praedikat Evangelium-english by PSPS II

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION

ON THE ROMAN CURIA

AND ITS SERVICE TO THE CHURCH

IN THE WORLD

PRAEDICATE EVANGELIUM

INDEX

I
Preamble

II
Principles and Criteria for the Service of the Roman Curia

III
General rules (articles 1 – 43)

IV
Secretariat of State (articles 44 – 52)

V
Dicasteries

Dicastery for Evangelization (arts. 53 – 68)

Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (arts. 69 – 78)

Dicastery for the Service of Charity (articles 79 – 81)

Dicastery for the Eastern Churches (arts. 82 – 87)

Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (articles 88 – 97)

Dicastery for the Causes of Saints (arts. 98 – 102)

Dicastery for Bishops (arts. 103 – 112)

Dicastery for the Clergy (arts. 113 – 120)

Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (arts. 121 – 127)

Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life (arts. 128 – 141)

Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity (articles 142 – 146)

Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue (articles 147 – 152)

Department for Culture and Education (articles 153 – 162)

Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development (articles 163 – 174)

Dicastery for Legislative Texts (articles 175 – 182)

Dicastery for Communication (articles 183 – 188)

VI
Justice bodies

Bodies of justice (art.189)

Apostolic Penitentiary (articles 190 – 193)

Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura (articles 194 – 199)

Tribunal of the Roman Rota (articles 200 – 204)

VII
Economic organizations

Economic Council (Articles 205 – 211)

Secretariat for the Economy (Articles 212 – 218)

Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (articles 219 – 221)

Office of the Auditor General (articles 222 – 224)

Reserved Matters Commission (articles 225 – 226)

Investments Committee (art.227)

VIII
Offices

Prefecture of the Papal Household (articles 228 – 230)

Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff (articles 231 – 234)

Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church (art.235 – 237)

IX
Lawyers (articles 238 – 240)

X
Institutions connected with the Holy See (articles 241 – 249)

XI
Transitional rule (art.250)

THE

PREAMBLE

1.         Praedicate evangelium (cf. Mk 16:15; Mt 10,7-8): this is the task that the Lord Jesus entrusted to his disciples. This mandate constitutes „the first service that the Church can render to each man and to all humanity in today’s world“ [1]. She was called to this: to proclaim the Gospel of the Son of God, Christ the Lord, and with it to arouse listening to the faith in all peoples (cf. Rom 1: 1-5; Gal3.5) The Church fulfills her mandate above all when she testifies, in word and deed, to the mercy that she herself has freely received. Our Lord and Master left us the example of this when he washed the feet of his disciples and said that we will be blessed if we too do this (cf. Jn 13: 15-17). In this way„The evangelizing community places itself through works and gestures in the daily life of others, shortens distances, lowers itself to humiliation if necessary, and assumes human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in the people“[2] By doing so, the people of God fulfill the command of the Lord, who by asking to proclaim the Gospel, urged us to take care of the weakest, sickest and most suffering brothers and sisters.

The missionary conversion of the Church

2. The „missionary conversion“ of the Church[3] it is destined to renew the Church according to the image of Christ’s own mission of love.His disciples and disciples are therefore called to be „light of the world“ ( Mt 5:14). This is the way in which the Church reflects the saving love of Christ which is the Light of the world (cf. Jn 8:12).It itself becomes more radiant when it brings to men the supernatural gift of faith,„lightthat guides our journey through time „ and serving the Gospel because this light„May it grow to illuminate the present until it becomes a star that shows the horizons of our journey, in a time when man is particularly in need of light„[4].

3.         The reform of the Roman Curia is also placed in the context of the missionary nature of the Church. Thus it was in the moments in which the yearning for reform was felt most urgently, as occurred in the sixteenth century, with the Apostolic Constitution Immensa aeterni Dei of Sixtus V (1588) and in the twentieth century, with the Apostolic Constitution Sapienti Consilio of Pius X ( 1908). After the Second Vatican Council, Paul VI, referring explicitly to the wishes expressed by the Council Fathers[5], with the Apostolic Constitution Regimini Ecclesiae universae (1967), he ordered and implemented a reform of the Curia.Subsequently, John Paul II promulgated the Apostolic Constitution Pastor bonus (1988),in order to always promote communion in the whole organism of the Church.

In continuity with these two recent reforms and with gratitude for the generous and competent service which over time so many members of the Curia have offered to the Roman Pontiff and to the universal Church,this new apostolic Constitution aims to better harmonize today’s exercise of the service of the Curia with the path of evangelization which the Church, especially in this season, is experiencing.

The Church: mystery of communion

4. For the reform of the Roman Curia it is important to have in mind and to value another aspect of the mystery of the Church: in it the mission is so closely linked to communion that it is possible to say that the purpose of the mission is precisely that.„To make known and to make everyone experience the“ new „communion which in the Son of God made man has entered the history of the world“[6].

This life of communion gives the Church the face of synodality ; a Church, that is, of mutual listening«Where everyone has something to learn. Faithful people, Episcopal College, Bishop of Rome: one listening to the other, and all listening to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth (cf. Jn 14:17 ), in order to know what He is saying to the Churches (cf. Rev 2 , 7 )„[7]. This synodality of the Church, then, will be understood as the „walking together of the Flock of God on the paths of history to meet Christ the Lord“[8]. It is a question of the mission of the Church, of that communion which is for the mission and is itself missionary.

The renewal of the Church and, in it, also of the Roman Curia, can only reflect this fundamental reciprocity so that the community of believers can get as close as possible to the experience of missionary communion lived by the Apostles with the Lord during his earthly life (cf. Mk 3:14) and, after Pentecost, under the action of the Holy Spirit, by the first community of Jerusalem (cf. Acts 2,42).

The service of the Primacy and the College of Bishops

5. Among these gifts given by the Spirit for the service of men, the one of the Apostles excels, whom the Lord chose and established as a stable „group“, of which Peter, chosen from among them, placed at the head.[9]. To the same Apostles he entrusted a mission that will last until the end of the centuries. For this they took care to institute successors[10], so that like Peter and the other Apostles constituted, by the will of the Lord, a single apostolic college, sostill today, in the Church, a hierarchically organized society[11], the Roman Pontiff, successor of Peter, and the Bishops, successors of the Apostles, are united among themselves in a single episcopal body, to which the Bishops belong by virtue of sacramental consecration and through hierarchical communion with the head of the College and with its members, that is, with the College itself[12].

6. The Second Vatican Council teaches: “Collegial union also appears in the mutual relations of individual Bishops with particular Churches and with the universal Church. The Roman Pontiff, as Peter’s successor, is the perpetual and visible principle and foundation of the unity both of the Bishops and of the multitude of the faithful. The individual Bishops, on the other hand, are the visible principle and foundation of unity in their particular Churches. These are formed in the image of the universal Church, and it is in them and from them that the one and only Catholic Church exists. Therefore the individual Bishops represent their own Church, and all together with the Pope represent the universal Church in a bond of peace, love and unity „[13].

7. It is important to underline that thanks to Divine Providence over the course of time various Churches have been established in different places by the Apostles and their successors, which have gathered in different groups, especially the ancient patriarchal Churches. The emergence of Episcopal Conferences in the Latin Church represents one of the most recent forms in whichthe communio Episcoporum expressed itself at the service of the communio Ecclesiarum based on the communio fidelium . Therefore, without prejudice to the proper power of the Bishop, as pastor of the particular Church entrusted to him, the Episcopal Conferences, including their regional and continental Unions, together with their respective Eastern hierarchical Structures, are currently one of the most significant ways of expressing and serving ecclesial communion. in the various regions together with the Roman Pontiff, guarantor of the unity of faith and communion[14].

The service of the Roman Curia

8. The Roman Curia is at the service of the Pope, who, as the successor of Peter, is the perpetual and visible principle and foundation of the unity of both the Bishops and the multitude of the faithful.[15]. By virtue of this link, the work of the Roman Curia is also in organic relationship with the College of Bishops and with the individual Bishops, and also with the Episcopal Conferences and theirRegional and continental unions, and the Eastern hierarchical structures, which are of great pastoral utility and express the affective and effective communion between the Bishops. The Roman Curia is not placed between the Pope and the Bishops, rather it places itself at the service of both in the manner that is proper to the nature of each.

9. The attention that the present Apostolic Constitution gives to the Episcopal Conferences and in a corresponding and adequate way to the Eastern hierarchical Structures, moves with the aim of enhancing them in their potential[16], without their acting as an interposition between the Roman Pontiff and the Bishops, but rather at their full service. The competences assigned to them in these provisions are aimed at expressing the collegial dimension of the episcopal ministry and, indirectly, at strengthening ecclesial communion.[17], giving concreteness to the joint exercise of some pastoral functions for the good of the faithful of the respective nations or of a specific territory[18].

Every Christian is a missionary disciple

10.       The Pope, the Bishops and other ordained ministers are not the only evangelizers in the Church. They „know that they were not instituted by Christ to take on by themselves the full weight of the Church’s saving mission to the world“[19]. Every Christian, by virtue of Baptism, is a disciple-missionary „To the extent that he met with the love of God in Christ Jesus“[20]. It cannot be ignored in the updating of the Curia, whose reform, therefore, must provide for the involvement of lay people, including in roles of government and responsibility. Furthermore, their presence and participation is essential, because they cooperate for the good of the whole Church[21] and, for their family life, for their knowledge of social realities and for their faith that leads them to discover the paths of God in the world, they can make valid contributions, especially when it comes to the promotion of the family and respect for the values ​​of life and creation, of the Gospel as a leaven of temporal realities and of the discernment of the signs of the times.

11. The reform of the Roman Curia will be real and possible if it sprouts from an interior reform, with which we make our „the paradigm of the Council’s spirituality“ , expressed by the „ancient story of the Good Samaritan“[22], of that man, who deviates from his path to draw close to a half-dead man who does not belong to his people and whom he does not even know. It is a question here of a spirituality that has its source in the love of God who first loved us, when we were still poor and sinners, and who reminds us that our duty is to serve our brothers and sisters like Christ, especially those most in need. , and that the face of Christ is recognized in the face of every human being, especially the man and woman who suffer (cf. Mt 25:40).

12. It must therefore be clear that“The reform is not an end in itself, but a means to give a strong Christian witness; to foster a more effective evangelization; to promote a more fruitful ecumenical spirit; to encourage a more constructive dialogue with all. The reform, strongly hoped for by the majority of the Cardinals in the context of the General Congregations before the Conclave, will have to further perfect the identity of the Roman Curia itself, namely that of assisting the Successor of Peter in the exercise of his supreme pastoral office for the good and the service of the universal Church and of the particular Churches. Exercise by which the unity of faith and the communion of the people of God are strengthened and the mission proper to the Church in the world is promoted. Certainly reaching such a goal is not easy: it takes time, determination and above all the collaboration of all. But to achieve this we must first of all entrust ourselves to the Holy Spirit, who is the true guide of the Church, praying for the gift of authentic discernment „[23].

II

PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA FOR THE SERVICE OF THE ROMAN CURIA

To make possible and effective the pastoral mission of the Roman Pontiff received by Christ the Lord and Shepherd, in his concern for the whole Church ( cf.Jn 21 : 51ff), and to maintain and cultivate the relationship between the Petrine ministry and the ministry of all Bishops , the Pope „in exercising his supreme, full and immediate power over the whole Church, avails himself of the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, which therefore carry out their work in his name and in his authority, for the benefit of the Churches and at the service of sacred shepherds „[24]. In this way the Curia is at the service of the Pope and the Bishops who „with the successor of Peter rule the house of the living God“[25]. The Curia exercises this service to the Bishops in their particular Churches in respect of the responsibility due to them as successors of the Apostles.

1.         Service to the Pope’s mission. The Roman Curia is primarily an instrument of service for the successor of Peter to help him in his mission as „perpetual and visible principle and foundation of the unity of both the Bishops and the multitude of the faithful“[26], also for the benefit of Bishops, particular Churches, Episcopal Conferences and their regional and continental Unions, Eastern hierarchical structures and other institutions and communities in the Church.

2.         Co-responsibility in the communio . This reform is proposed, in the spirit of a „healthy decentralization“[27], to leave to the competence of Pastors the faculty of resolving in the exercise of „their own task as teachers“ and pastors[28] issues they know well[29] and which do not affect the unity of doctrine, discipline and communion of the Church, always acting with that co-responsibility which is the fruit and expression of that specificmysterium communionis which is the Church[30].

3.         Service to the mission of the Bishops. In the context of collaboration with the Bishops, the service that the Curia offers them consists, in the first place, in recognizing and supporting the work they give to the Gospel and to the Church, in timely advice, in encouraging the pastoral conversion that they promote. , in supportive solidarity for their evangelizing initiative and their preferential pastoral option for the poor, for the protection of minors and vulnerable people and for every contribution in favor of the human family, unity and peace; in short, to their initiatives so that peoples may have abundant life in Christ. This service of the Curia to the mission of the Bishops and to the communioit proposes, also through the fulfillment, with a fraternal spirit, of tasks of vigilance, support and increase of the reciprocal, affective and effective communion of the Successor of Peter with the Bishops.

4.         Support for particular Churches and their Episcopal Conferences and Eastern hierarchical structures. The Catholic Church embraces a multitude of peoples, languages ​​and cultures in the world and therefore has at its disposal a great treasure of effective experiences regarding evangelization, which cannot be lost. The Roman Curia, in its service for the good of the entire communio, is able to gather and elaborate from the presence of the Church in the world the wealth of such knowledge and experiences of the best initiatives and creative proposals regarding the evangelization of individual particular Churches, of the Episcopal Conferences and of the Eastern hierarchical structures and the way of acting in the face of problems, challenges, such as creative proposals. Gathering these experiences of the Church in its universality, it makes the particular Churches, the Episcopal Conferences and the Eastern hierarchical structures participate as support. For this type of exchange and dialogue, the visits „ad limina Apostolorum“ and the reports presented by the Bishops on them represent an important tool.

5.         Vicar nature of the Roman Curia. Each curial institution fulfills its mission by virtue of the power received from the Roman Pontiff in whose name it operates with vicarious power in the exercise of its primatial munus . For this reason, any member of the faithful can preside over a Dicastery or an Organism, given the particular competence, power of governance and function of the latter.

6.         Spirituality.The Roman Curia contributes to the communion of the Church with the Lord only by cultivating the relationship of all its members with Christ Jesus, expending itself with interior ardor in favor of the plans of God and the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to his Church, and by working in favor of of the vocation of all the baptized to holiness. It is therefore necessary that in all the Curial Institutions the service to the Church-mystery remains united with an experience of the covenant with God, manifested by common prayer, by spiritual renewal and by the periodic common celebration of the Eucharist. In the same way, starting from the encounter with Jesus Christ, the members of the Curia fulfill their task with the joyful awareness of being disciples-missionaries at the service of all the people of God.

7.         Personal integrity and professionalism. The face of Christ is reflected in the variety of faces of his disciples who with their charisms are at the service of the mission of the Church. Therefore, those who serve in the Curia are chosen from among Bishops, priests, deacons, members of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and laitywho are distinguished by spiritual life, good pastoral experience, sobriety of life and love for the poor, spirit of communion and service, competence in the subjects entrusted to them, ability to discern the signs of the times. For this reason it is necessary to devote careful attention to the selection and training of personnel, as well as to the organization of work and to the personal and professional growth of each one.

8.         Collaboration between the Dicasteries. Communion and participation must be distinctive traits of the internal work of the Curia and of each of its Institutions. The Roman Curia must be ever more at the service of communion of life and of the operative unity aroundPastors of the universal Church. For this reason the heads of the Dicasteries meet periodically with the Roman Pontiff, individually and in joint meetings. Regular meetings promote transparency and concerted action to discuss the work plans of the Departments and their implementation.

9.         Interdicasterial and intradicasterial meetings . In interdicasterial meetings, which express the communion and collaboration existing in the Curia, the issues that involve several Dicasteries are addressed. The task of calling such meetings belongs to the Secretariat of State as it performs the function of the Papal Secretariat. Communion and collaboration are also manifested by the appropriate periodic meetings of the Members of a Dicastery: plenaries, councils and congresses. This spirit must also animate the meetings of the Bishops with the Dicasteries, both individually and collectively as on the occasion of the visits „ad limina Apostolorum“ .

10.       Expression of catholicity. In the choice of Cardinals, Bishops and other collaboratorsthe catholicity of the Church must be reflected. All those invited to serve in the Roman Curia are a sign of communion and solidarity with the Roman Pontiff on the part of the Bishops and Superiors of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life who make qualified collaborators available to the Roman Curia. from different cultures.

11.       Reduction of Dicasteries. It was necessary to reduce the number of Dicasteries, uniting those whose purpose was very similar or complementary, and to rationalize their functions with the aim of avoiding overlapping of competences and making work more effective.

12. The Reformation, as Paul VI desired, intends in the first place to ensure that in the Curia itself and in the whole Church, the spark of divine charity can „set fire to the principles, doctrines and purposes which the Council has prepared , and who so inflamed with charity, can truly bring about in the Church and in the world that renewal of thoughts, activities, customs and moral strength and joy and hope, which was the very purpose of the Council „[31].

III

GENERAL RULES

Notion of Roman Curia

Art. 1

The Roman Curia is the institution which the Roman Pontiff ordinarily makes use of in the exercise of his supreme pastoral office and his universal mission in the world. It is at the service of the Pope, successor of Peter, and of the Bishops, successors of the Apostles,according to the modalities that are proper to the nature of each one, fulfilling with an evangelical spirithis own function, working for the good and at the service of communion, unity and the building up of the universal Churchand attending to the demands of the world in which the Church is called to carry out her mission.

Pastoral nature of curial activities

Art. 2

Since all the members of the People of God, each according to his own condition, take part in the mission of the Church, those who serve in the Roman Curia cooperate in it in a way that is proportionate to the knowledge and competence they enjoy, as well as to pastoral experience.

Art. 3

The staff who work at the Roman Curia and other institutions connected with the Holy See carry out a pastoral service in support of the mission of the Roman Pontiff and of the Bishops in their respective responsibilities towards the universal Church. This service must be animated and carried out with the highest sense of collaboration, co-responsibility and respect for the competence of others.

Art. 4

The pastoral character of the curial service is nourished and enriched by a particular spirituality founded on the relationship of mutual interiority that exists between the universal Church and the particular Church.

Art. 5

The originality proper to the pastoral service of the Roman Curia requires that everyone feel their vocation to exemplaryof life before the Church and the world.This entails for all the demanding duty of being disciple-missionaries, showingexample of dedication, spirit of piety, of welcome to those who turn to it and of service.

Art. 6

Together with the service provided in the Roman Curia, whenever possible and without prejudice to their office work, clerics should also attend to the care of souls, as well as the members of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and the laity pastoral activities of one’s own communities or of other ecclesial realities according to the abilities and possibilities of each one.

Operational principles of the Roman Curia

Art. 7

§ 1. For the proper functioning of each of themembers of the Roman Curia it is essential that, in addition to dedication and righteousness,whoever works there is qualified. This implies professionalism, that is, competence and ability in the subject in which one is called to provide one’s business. It is formed and acquired over time, through experience, study, updating; however it is necessary that from the beginningthere is adequate preparation in this regard.

§ 2. The various components of the Roman Curia, each by its nature and competence, should provide for the permanent formation of their own personnel.

Art. 8

§ 1. The activity of each of the components of the Roman Curia must always be inspired by criteria of rationality and functionality, responding to the situations that arise over time and adapting to the needs of the universal Church and of the particular Churches.

§ 2. Functionality, aimed at offering the best and most effective service, requires thatthose who give their service in the Roman Curia are always ready to carry out their workas needed.

Art. 9

§ 1. Each Dicastery, Organism or Office, in carrying out its particular service, is called, for the very reason of the mission in which it participates, to fulfill it by converging with the other Dicasteries, Organisms or Offices, in a dynamic of mutual collaboration, each according to its competence, in constant interdependence and interconnection of activities.

§ 2. This convergence is also implemented within each Dicastery, Body or Office by everyone, fulfilling their role in such a way that the industriousness of each one favors a disciplined and effective functioning, beyond cultural and linguistic differences. and national.

 

§ 3. The provisions of §§ 1 and 2 also refer to the Secretariat of State with the specificity that is proper to it in its capacity as Papal Secretariat.

Art. 10

Each Dicastery, Organism or Office, in the exercise of its activities, makes regular and faithful use of the organs provided for by this Apostolic Constitution, such as Congress, ordinary and plenary sessions. Meetings of Dicastery and Interdicasterial Heads are also held regularly.

Art. 11

The Labor Office of the Apostolic See deals with everything that concerns the work performance of the personnel employed by the Roman Curia and the issues connected to it, according to its own competence, to protect and promote the rights of collaborators, according to the principles of the social doctrine of the Church.

Structure of the Roman Curia

Art. 12

§ 1. The Roman Curia is made up of the Secretariat of State, the Dicasteries and the Organisms, all juridically equal to each other.

§ 2. The term Curial Institutions means the units of the Roman Curia mentioned in § 1.

§ 3. The Prefecture of the Papal Household, the Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff and the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church are Offices of the Roman Curia.

Art. 13

§ 1. Each Curial Institution is composed of a Prefect, or equivalent, by an adequate number of Members, by one or more Secretaries who assist the Prefect, together, but in a subordinate line, to one or more Undersecretaries, flanked by the various Officials and Consultors.

§ 2. By reason of its particular nature, or of a special law, a curial institution can have a different structure from that established in § 1.

Art. 14

§ 1. The Curial Institutionis governed by the Prefect,or equivalent, which directs and represents it.

§ 2. The Secretary, with the collaboration of the Undersecretary or Undersecretaries, assists the Prefect in dealing with the affairs of the Curial Institution and in directing the personnel.

§ 3. Officials, who come as far as possible from different regions of the world so that the Roman Curia reflects the universality of the Church, are recruited from among clerics,members of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and lay people, who are distinguished by due experience, science confirmed by adequate qualifications, virtues andcaution. They are chosen according to objective and transparency criteria and have an adequate number of years of experience in pastoral activities.

§ 4. The suitability ofcandidates for Officials is properly verified.

§ 5. In choosing clerics as Officials, an adequate balance should be sought as far as possible between diocesans / eparchials and members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

Art. 15

The Members of the Curial Institutions are appointed from among the Cardinals residing both in the city and outside it, to which are added, as particularly experts in the matters in question, some Bishops, especially diocesan / eparchial, as well as, according to the nature of the Dicastery, some priests and deacons, some members of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and some lay faithful.

Art. 16

The Consultors of the Curial Institutions and Offices are appointed from among the faithful who stand out for their knowledge, proven ability and prudence. The identification and choice of the same must respect, as much as possible, the criterion of universality.

Art. 17

§ 1. The Prefect, or equivalent, the Members, the Secretary, the Undersecretary and the other major Officials assigned to Heads of Office, equivalent and expert, as well as the Consultors, are appointed by the Roman Pontiff for a five-year term.

§ 2. The Prefect and the Secretary, having reached the age foreseen by the General Regulations of the Roman Curia, must present their resignation to the Roman Pontiff, who, having considered everything, will take action on the matter.

§ 3. Once the Members have reached the age of eighty, they forfeit their office. However, those who belong to one of the Curial Institutions by reason of another office, forfeiting it, also cease to be Members.

§ 4. As a rule, after five years, clerical officials and members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life who have served in the Curial Institutions and Offices return to pastoral care in their Diocese / Eparchy, or in Institutes or Membership company. If the Superiors of the Roman Curia deem it appropriate, the service can be extended for another period of five years.

Art. 18

§ 1.In the event of a vacant Apostolic See, all the Heads of the Curial Institutions and the Members lose their office. The exceptions are the Major Penitentiary, who continues to carry out the ordinary affairs of his competence, proposing to the College of Cardinals those which he would report to the Roman Pontiff, andthe Almoner of His Holiness, whocontinues in the exercise of works of charity, according to the same criteria used during the pontificate, remaining under the authority of the College of Cardinals, until the election of the new Roman Pontiff.

§ 2. During the vacant See, the Secretaries are concerned with the ordinary government of the Curial Institutions, taking care only of the affairs of ordinary administration. Within three months of the election of the Roman Pontiff they must be confirmed by him in their office.

§ 3. The Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations assumes the duties provided for by the norms concerning the vacancy of the Apostolic See and the election of the Roman Pontiff.

Art. 19

Each of the Curial Institutions and Offices has its own current archive, in which the documents received and copies of those sent are registered and kept with order, security and according to adequate criteria.

Jurisdiction and procedure of the curial institutions

Art. 20

The competence ofCurial institutions are ordinarily determined by reason of the matter. It is possible, however, that competences may also be established for other reasons.

Art. 21

Each of the Curial Institutions, within the sphere of its own competence:

1. deals with affairs which by their nature or by provision of law are reserved to the Apostolic See;

2. deals with the business assigned by the Roman Pontiff;

3. examines issues and problems that go beyond the sphere of competence of individual diocesan / eparchial bishops or episcopal bodies (Eastern Conferences or Hierarchical Structures);

4. studies the most serious problems of the present time, with the aim of promoting the pastoral action of the Church in a more adequate, coordinated and effective way, always in agreement with and respecting the competences of the particular Churches, of the Bishops‘ Conferences, of their Unions. regional and continental and Eastern hierarchical structures;

5. promotes, favors and encourages initiatives and proposals for the good of the universal Church;

6. examines and, if necessary, decides the questions that the faithful, using their right, refer directly to the Apostolic See.

Art. 22

Any conflicts of jurisdictionbetween the Dicasteries and between them and the Secretariat of State are to be submitted to the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, unless the Roman Pontiff intends to provide otherwise.

Art. 23

Each of the Curial Institutions deals with the issues of its competence according to the norm of universal law and the law peculiar to the Roman Curia and also according to its own regulations, always applying the law with canonical equity, having regard and attention to justice, for the good of the Church and for the salvation of souls.

Art. 24

The Heads of the Curial Institutions or, in their stead, the Secretaries, are received personally by the Roman Pontiff in the form established by him in order to report regularly and frequently on current affairs, activities and programs.

Art. 25

It is the responsibility of the Head of Dicastery, unless otherwise specified for individual Dicasteries, to bring together the Congress, composed of the same, the Secretary, the Undersecretaryand, in the opinion of the Head of Dicastery, of all or part of the Officials:

1. to examine specific issues and identify resolution with immediate decision, or by proposing to submit them to the ordinary or plenary session or to an interdicasterial meeting, or to present them to the Roman Pontiff;

2. to assign to the Consultors or other experts the questions that require a particular study;

3. to examine requests for faculties and rescripts, according to the competences of the Dicastery.

Art. 26

§ 1. The members of the Dicasteries meet in ordinary and plenary sessions.

§ 2. For ordinary Sessions, concerning customary or frequent affairs, it is sufficient that the members of the Dicastery resident in the city be summoned .

§ 3. All the members of the Dicastery are summoned to the plenary session. It is to be celebrated every two years, except if the Ordo servandus of the Dicastery has a longer period of time, and always after the Roman Pontiff has been informed. The plenary session is reserved for affairs and matters of greater importance, which result from the very nature of the Dicastery. It must also be suitably convened for matters of a general principle and for those that the Head of Dicastery deems it necessary to treat in this way.

§ 4. In planning the work of the Sessions, especially the plenary ones that require the presence of all the Members, try to rationalize the movements, also using videoconferences and other means of communication that are sufficiently confidential and safe, which allow effective joint work regardless of the actual physical presence in the same place.

§ 5. The Secretary participates in all the Sessions with the right to vote.

Art. 27

§ 1. It is the responsibility of the Consultors, and their equivalents, to study the question entrusted and to give their opinion on the matter, usually in writing.

§ 2. When deemed necessary and according to the specific nature of the Dicastery, the Consultors – all or part of them, given their specific competences – can be convened collectively to examine particular questions and give their opinion.

§ 3. In individual cases, even persons not included among the Consultors, who stand out for their particular competence and experience in the matter to be dealt with, can be called for advice.

Art. 28

§ 1. The affairs which are of mixed competence, that is to say of several Dicasteries, are examined jointly by the Dicasteries involved.

§ 2. The Head of the Dicasteryto which the matter was referred first, convenes the meeting either ex officio or at the request of another Dicastery involved, to compare the various points of view and take a resolution.

§ 3. If the subject requires it, the matter in question must be referred to the joint plenary session of the Dicasteries involved.

§ 4. The meeting is chaired by the Head of the Dicastery who called it, or the Secretary, if only the Secretaries attend.

§ 5. To deal with those matters of mixed competence which require mutual and frequent consultation, when deemed necessary, the Head of the Dicastery who first began to deal with or to whom the matter was first referred, subject to approval by the Roman Pontiff, establishes a special interdicasterial commission.

Art. 29

§ 1.The curial institution that prepares a general document, before submitting it to the Roman Pontiff, transmits the text to the other curial institutions involved, to receive any observations, amendments and suggestions, in order to perfect it, so that, comparing the different perspectives and evaluations, can obtain a concordant application of the same.

§ 2. Documents or declarations on matters pertaining to relations with States and with other subjects of international law require prior authorization from the Secretariat of State.

Art. 30

A curial institution cannot issue laws or general decrees having the force of law, nor can it derogate from the prescriptions of universal law in force, except in individual and particular cases and specifically approved by the Roman Pontiff.

Art. 31

§ 1. It is an imperative norm that nothing must be done regarding important or extraordinary affairs before the Head of a Curial Institution has communicated it to the Roman Pontiff.

§ 2. Decisions and resolutions concerning matters of greater importance must be submitted to the approval of the Roman Pontiff, with the exception of decisions for which special faculties have been attributed to the Curial Institution and the Judgments of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota and of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, issued within the limits of their own competence.

§ 3. Regarding the special faculties granted to each Curial Institution, the Prefect or equivalent is required to periodically verify and evaluate with the Roman Pontiff their effectiveness, practicability, attribution within the Roman Curia and the opportunity for Universal Church.

Art. 32

§ 1. Hierarchical appeals are received, examined and decided, in accordance with the law, by the competent curial institutions for the matter. In case of doubt about the determination of competence, the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura resolves the matter.

§2. Matters which must be dealt with in a judicial way are left to the competent tribunals.

Art. 33

The Curial Institutions collaborate, according to their respective specific competences, in the activity of the General Secretariat ofSynod, having regard to what is established in the specific legislation of the Synod itself, which lends effective collaboration to the Roman Pontiff, according to the methods established by the same or to be established, in matters of greater importance, for the good of the whole Church.

Meeting of the Heads of the Curial Institutions

Art. 34

§ 1. In order to foster greater coherence and transparency in the work of the Curia, by order of the Roman Pontiff, the heads of the curial institutions are convened regularly to discuss together the work plans of the individual institutions and their application; to coordinate joint work; to give and receive information and to examine matters of greater importance; offer opinions and suggestions;make decisions to propose to the Roman Pontiff.

§ 2. The meetings are convened and coordinated by the Secretary of State in agreement with the Roman Pontiff.

Art. 35

If the Roman Pontiff deems it opportune, the most important matters of a general nature, already the subject of discussion in the meeting of the heads of the curial institutions, can also be treated by the cardinals gathered in consistory, according to their own law.

The Roman Curia at the service of the particular Churches

Art. 36

§ 1. The Curial Institutions must collaborate in the most important questions with the particular Churches, the Episcopal Conferences, their regional and continental Unions and the Eastern hierarchical structures.

§ 2. When the question requires it, documents of a general nature of considerable importance or those which concern in a special way some particular Churches are to be prepared taking into account the opinion of the Episcopal Conferences, of the regional and continental Unions and of the Eastern hierarchical structures involved.

§ 3. The Curial Institutions are to quickly acknowledge receipt of the requests presented to them by the particular Churches, examine them with diligence and solicitude and offer an adequate response as soon as possible.

Art. 37

With regard to affairs concerning particular Churches, the curial institutions should consult the Pontifical Representatives who exercise their function there and do not fail to notify them and the Bishops‘ Conferences and Eastern hierarchical structures of the decisions taken.

Visit „ad limina Apostolorum“

Art. 38

In accordance with tradition and according to the provisions of canon law, the Pastors of each particular Church make the visit „ad limina Apostolorum“ at the established times .

Art. 39

This visit has a particular importance for unity and communion in the life of the Church, as it constitutes the highest moment of the relations of the Pastors of each particular Church and of each Episcopal Conference and of each Eastern hierarchical structure with the Bishop of Rome. . In fact, receiving his brothers into the episcopate, he deals with them things concerning the good of the Churches and the pastoral function of the Bishops, confirms and supports them in faith and charity. In this way the bonds of hierarchical communion are strengthened and both the catholicity of the Church and the unity of the College of Bishops are highlighted.

Art. 40

§ 1. The Pastors of each particular Church called to participate in the visit must prepare it with care and diligence, presenting to the Apostolic See, within the times indicated by it, a detailed report on the state of the Diocese / Eparchy entrusted to them, including a report on the financial situation. and patrimonial.

§ 2. The report, reconciling brevity with clarity, should be characterized by precision and concreteness in describing the real condition of the particular Church. It must also contain an evaluation of the support obtained by the Curial Institutions and express the expectations towards the Curia itself regarding the work to be carried out in collaboration.

§ 3. To facilitate the discussions, the Pastors of the particular Churches are to attach to the detailed report a summary text on the main topics.

Art. 41

The visit is divided into three main moments: the pilgrimage to the tombs of the Princes of the Apostles, the meeting with the Roman Pontiff and the talksat the Dicasteries and Justice Bodies of the Roman Curia.

Art. 42

§ 1.The Prefects, or equivalent, and the respective Secretaries of the Dicasteries and Bodies of Justice are to prepare diligently for the meeting with the Pastors of the particular Churches, the Bishops‘ Conferences and the Eastern hierarchical structures, carefully examining the reports sent by them.

§ 2. Meetingthe Pastors mentioned in § 1, the Prefects, or equivalent, and the respective Secretaries of the Dicasteries and Bodies of Justice,through a frank and cordial dialogue, they should advise them, encourage them, give them suggestions and appropriate indications in order to contribute to the good and development of the whole Church, to the observance of the common discipline, gathering from the same suggestions and indications to always offer a service more effective.

Regulations

Art. 43

§ 1. Regarding the method of proceeding, without prejudice to the prescriptions of the Codes in force,the principles and criteria outlined in part II and the norms established in this Apostolic Constitution, the General Regulations of the Roman Curia must be observed, that is, the set of common norms with which the order and manner of proceeding and of dealing with business in the Curia and, where expressly provided for, in Institutions connected with the Holy See,duly approved by the Roman Pontiff.

§ 2. Each curial institution and each office must have its own Ordo servandus , or theproper norms, approved by the Roman Pontiff, according to which to deal with business.

IV

SECRETARIAT OF STATE

Art. 44

The Secretariat of State, as the Papal Secretariat, closely assists the Roman Pontiff in the exercise of his supreme mission.

Art. 45

§ 1. It is governed by the Secretary of State.

§ 2. It comprises three Sections: the Section for General Affairs, under the direction of the Substitute, with the help of the Assessor; the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations, under the directionof its Secretary, with the help of the Undersecretary and ofan Undersecretary for the multilateral sector; the Section for Diplomatic Personnel of the Holy See, under the direction of the Secretary for Pontifical Representations, with the help of an Undersecretary.

Section for General Affairs

Art. 46

The Section for General Affairs is in particular responsible for attending to the handling of affairs concerning the daily service of the Roman Pontiff; to examine those affairs that need to be dealt with outside ordinary jurisdictionof the Curial Institutions and other Bodies of the Apostolic See;to favor coordination between the same Dicasteries and Bodies and Offices without prejudice to their autonomy. It is up to it to carry out everything concerning the Representatives of the States to the Holy See.

Art. 47

It is also responsible for:

1 ° to draw up and send the Apostolic Constitutions, the decretal letters, the apostolic letters, the epistles and other documents that the Roman Pontiff entrusts to them;

2 ° to ensure the publication of the acts and public documents of the Holy See in the official Bulletin “Acta Apostolicae Sedis” ;

3 ° to give indications to the Dicastery for Communication regarding official communications concerning both the acts of the Roman Pontiff and the activity of the Holy See;

4 ° to keep the lead seal and the Fisherman’s ring.

Art. 48

This Section is also responsible for:

1 ° to take care of what pertains to the periodic meetings of the Heads of the Curial Institutions and to the implementation of the relative provisions;

2 ° to deal with all the acts concerning the appointments that are made or approved by the Roman Pontiff regarding the Prefect, or equivalent, the Members, the Secretary, the Undersecretary or the Undersecretaries and Consultors of the Curial Institutions and Offices, of the Institutions connected with the Holy See or who refer to it and those of the personnel with diplomatic role;

3 ° prepare the documents concerning the Pontifical Honors;

4 ° to collect, coordinate and publish statistics concerning the life of the Church throughout the world.

Section for Relations with States and International Organizations

Art. 49

Specific task of the Sectionfor Relations with States and International Organizations it is to attend to the affairs that must be dealt with with the respective civil Authorities.

It is responsible for:

1 ° to take care of the diplomatic and political relations of the Holy See with States and with other subjects of international law and to negotiate common affairs for the promotion of the good of the Church and of civil society, also through the stipulation of Concordats and other international Agreements, taking into account the opinion of the episcopal bodies concerned;

2 ° to represent the Holy See at the International Intergovernmental Organizations, as well as in the multilateral Intergovernmental Conferences, availing itself, if necessary, of the collaboration of the competent Dicasteries and Bodies of the Roman Curia;

3 ° to grant the nulla osta whenever a Dicastery or Body of the Roman Curia intends to publish a declaration or a document pertaining to international relations or relations with civil authorities.

Art. 50

§ 1.In particular circumstances, on behalf of the Roman Pontiff, this Section, having consulted the competent Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, carries out everything concerning the provision of particular Churches, as well as the constitution and change of them and their Bodies.

§ 2. In other cases, especially where a concordat regime is in force, it is up to it to attend to those affairs which must be dealt with with civil governments.

Art. 51

§ 1 The Section is assisted by its own Council for dealing with specific issues.

§. 2 Permanent Commissions may be established in the Section, if necessary, to deal with specific subjects or general questions relating to the various Continents and particular geographical areas.

Section for diplomatic staff of the Holy See

Art. 52

§ 1. The Holy See’s Section for Diplomatic Personnel deals with matters pertaining to persons who work in the diplomatic service of the Holy See, in particular with their living and working conditions and their ongoing formation. To carry out his task, the Secretary visits the offices of the Pontifical Representations,convenes and chairs the meetings concerning the provisions of the same.

§ 2. The Section collaborates with the President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy with regard to the selection and training of candidates for the diplomatic service of the Holy See and maintains contact with retired diplomatic personnel.

§ 3. The Section exercises its functions in close collaboration with the Section for General Affairs and with the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations, which, each according to their specific areas, also deal with matters concerning the Pontifical Representatives.

V.

DICASTERIES

Dicastery for Evangelization

Art. 53

§ 1. The Dicastery is at the service of the work of evangelization so that Christ, the light of the peoples, may be known and witnessed in word and deed and that His mystical Body, which is the Church, may be built. The Dicastery is competent for the fundamental questions of evangelization in the world and for the institution,the accompaniment and support of the new particular Churches, without prejudice to the competence of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.

§ 2. The Dicastery is made up of two Sections: one for the fundamental questions of evangelization in the world and one for the first evangelization and the new particular Churches in the territories of its competence.

Art. 54

The Dicastery for Evangelization is chaired directly by the Roman Pontiff. Each of the two Sections is governed in his name and by his authority by a Pro-Prefect, assisted in accordance with art. 14 § 2.

Section for the fundamental questions of evangelization in the world

Art. 55

§ 1. It is the task of the Section to study, in collaboration withthe particular Churches,the Episcopal Conferences ethe Eastern hierarchical structures, the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life, the fundamental questions of evangelization and the development of an effective proclamation of the Gospel by identifying suitable forms, tools and language. The sectioncollects the most significant experiences in the field of evangelization making them available to the whole Church.

§ 2. The Section encourages reflection on the history of evangelization and mission, especially in their relations with the political, social and cultural events that have marked and conditioned the preaching of the Gospel.

Art. 56

§ 1. The Section, through studies and exchanges of experiences, supports the particular Churches in the process of inculturating the Good News of Jesus Christ in different cultures and ethnic groups and in their evangelizationand pay particular attention to popular piety.

§ 2. In promoting and supporting popular piety, he takes particular care of international shrines. It is up to the Section to erect international sanctuaries and to approve their respective statutes,in accordance with canonical provisions, and in collaboration with diocesan / eparchial bishops, episcopal conferences and eastern hierarchical structurestake care of the promotion of a pastoral careorganization of the Sanctuariesas the driving forces of permanent evangelization.

Art. 57

In light of the political, social and cultural challenges, the Section:

1 ° it promotes evangelization through the discernment of the signs of the times and the study of socio-economic and environmental conditionsof the recipients of the proclamation of the Gospel;

2 ° studies and promotes the renewing contribution of the Gospel in the encounter with cultures and with all that concerns the promotion of human dignity and religious freedom. In close collaboration with the particular Churches, the Episcopal Conferences and the Eastern hierarchical structures, it promotes and favors the dissemination and implementation of the ecclesial Magisterium relating to the themes of the encounter between the Gospel and cultures. Since evangelization implies a fundamental option for the poor, it takes care of the World Day of the Poor ;

3 ° assists and supports the initiatives of diocesan / eparchial bishops, episcopal conferences and eastern hierarchical structures to proclaim the Gospel.

Art. 58

§ 1. The Section is competent for Catechesis placing itself at the service of the particular Churches in their duty to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who, having received Baptism, lead a Christian life in daily life, to those who, while showing a certain faith, do not he knows its foundations adequately, to those who feel the need to deepen more and better the teaching received and to those who have abandoned the faith or do not profess it.

§ 2. The Section ensures that the teaching of catechesis is imparted in a suitable way and that catechetical formation is conducted according to the indications expressed by the Magisterium of the Church. It is also responsible for granting the prescribed confirmation of the Apostolic See for Catechisms ethe other writings relating to catechetical instruction, with the consent of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Art. 59

§ 1. Since every member of the People of God, by virtue of the Baptism received, is a missionary disciple of the Gospel, the Section supports the growth of this awareness and responsibility, so that each one collaborates effectively in missionary work with daily life, through the prayer, testimony and works.

§ 2. Evangelization takes place in particular through the proclamation of divine mercy, through multiple ways and expressions. To this end, the specific action of the Missionaries of Mercy contributes in a particular way, for whom the Section promotes and supports formation and offers criteria for pastoral action.

Art. 60

§ 1. In the context of evangelization, the Section affirms and promotes religious freedom in every social and political sphere in the real situations of the world. In this regard, it also avails itself of the collaboration of the Secretariat of State.

§ 2. As a way of evangelization, it encourages and supports,in collaboration with the Dicastery forInterreligious Dialogue and the Dicastery for Culture and Education according to their specific competences, opportunities for meeting and dialogue with members of other religions andthose who profess no religion.

Section for the first evangelization and the new particular Churches

Art. 61

The Section supports the proclamation of the Gospel and the deepening of the life of faith in the territories of the first evangelization and deals with everything concerning both the erection of ecclesiastical Circumscriptions or their modifications, and their provision and performs the other tasks similarly to what the Dicastery for Bishops performs within the scope of its competence.

Art. 62

The section, according to the principle of just autonomy, it supports the new onesParticular Churches in the work of initial evangelization and growth, collaborating with particular Churches, Episcopal Conferences, Institutes of Consecrated Life, Societies of Apostolic Life, associations, ecclesial movements, new communities and ecclesial assistance bodies .

Art. 63

The Section collaborates with Bishops, Episcopal Conferences, Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in arousing the missionary vocations of clerics, members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and laity and in the formation of secular clergy and of catechists in the territories that are subject to the Dicastery, without prejudice to the competences of other Dicasteries in specific matters such as:the institutional formation of clerics, higher education institutes, education and culture.

Art. 64

§ 1. The Section promotes the exchange of experiences within the new particular Churches and between these andthe churcheserected for a long time.

§ 2. It accompanies the integration of the new particular Churches, encouraging the others to support them in solidarity and fraternalism.

§ 3. He arranges and organizes initial and ongoing formation courses for Bishops, and their equivalents, in the territories of his competence.

Art. 65

To increase missionary cooperation, the Section:

1 endeavors to accompany the new particular Churches towards economic autonomy, helping to create the conditions for them;

2 helps to establish the necessary funds to support the new particular Churches and to prepare the competent personnel for their collection and for cooperation with the other particular Churches;

3 promotes the creation of administrative and control bodies for the use of resources and the quality of investments in the new particular Churches and their groupings;

4 supports the new particular Churches in the management of personnel.

Art. 66

The Section deals with all that has been established regarding the quinquennial reports and the ad limina Apostolorum visits of the particular Churches entrusted to its care.

Art. 67

§ 1. The Pontifical Mission Societies are entrusted to the Section for the first evangelization and the new particular Churches:the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle, the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood and the Pontifical Missionary Union, as tools for promoting the missionary responsibility of each baptized and for supporting new particular Churches.

§ 2. The management of economic subsidies intended for missionary cooperation and their fair distribution are entrusted to the Assistant Secretary of the Section with the role of President of thePontifical Mission Societies.

Art. 68

The heritagedestined for missions, it is administered through its own special office, directed by the Deputy Secretary of the Section, without prejudice to the obligation to give due account to the Secretariat for the economy.

Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith

Art. 69

The task of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is to help the Roman Pontiff and the Bishops in proclaiming the Gospel throughout the world, promoting and protecting the integrity of the Catholic doctrine on faith and morals, drawing on the deposit of faith and also seeking an everlasting one. deeper intelligence in the face of new issues.

Art. 70

The Dicastery is made up of two Sections: the Doctrinal and the Disciplinary Sections, each coordinated by a Secretary who assists the Prefect in the specific area of ​​his own competence.

Art. 71

The Doctrinal Section promotes and supports the study and reflection on the understanding of faith and customs and on the development of theology in different cultures,in the light of correct doctrine and the challenges of the times, so as to offer an answer, in the light of faith, to the questions and arguments that arise with the progress of the sciences and the evolution of civilizations.

Art. 72

§ 1. On the measures to be adopted for the protection of faith and morals, in order to preserve their integrity from errors disclosed in any way,the Doctrinal Section works in close contact with diocesan / eparchial Bishops, both as individuals and gathered in Episcopal Conferences or in particular Councils and in Eastern hierarchical Structures, in the exercise of their mission as authentic teachers and doctors of the faith, for which they are required to safeguard and promote the integrity of the same faith.

§ 2. This cooperation is especially valid for what concerns the authorization for the teaching of theological disciplines, for which the Section gives its opinion in respect of the proper competence of the Dicastery for Culture and Education.

Art. 73

To safeguardthe truth of the faith and the integrity of morals, the Doctrinal Section:

1. examines writings and opinions that appear to be contrary or harmful to right faith and morals; seeks dialogue with their authors and presents suitable remedies to be made, saccording to its own rules;

2. does all it can to ensure that there is no lack of an adequate refutation of the dangerous errors and doctrines which are spread among the Christian people.

Art. 74

It is for the Doctrinal Section to examine and judge, both in law and in fact, all that pertains to the„Privileium fidei“ in the matrimonial context.

Art. 75

Documentswhich must be published by other Dicasteries, Bodies and Offices of the Roman Curia,as regards the doctrine about faith and morals, they must be previously submitted to the opinion of the Doctrinal Section, which through a procedure of comparison and understanding will help to take appropriate decisions.

Art. 76

§ 1. The Disciplinary Section, through the Disciplinary Office, deals with the crimes reserved to the Dicastery and treated by it through the jurisdiction of the Supreme Apostolic Tribunal established therein, proceeding to declare or impose canonical sanctions in accordance with the law, both common and precisely, without prejudice to the competence of the Apostolic Penitentiary.

§ 2. In the offenses mentioned in § 1, the Section, by mandate of the Roman Pontiff, will judge the Cardinal Fathers, the Patriarchs, the Legates of the Apostolic See,the Bishops, as well as other physical persons in accordance with the canonical dispositions.

§ 3. The Section promotes the opportune formation initiatives that the Dicastery offers to Ordinaries and legal practitioners, to foster a correct understanding and application of the canonical norms relating to their own sphere of competence.

Art. 77

The Pontifical Biblical Commission and the International Theological Commission are established at the Dicastery, both chaired by the Prefect.Each works according to its own approved standards.

Art. 78

§ 1. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors is established within the Dicastery, whose task is to provide the Roman Pontiff with advice and advice and also to propose the most appropriate initiatives for the protection of minors and vulnerable persons.

§ 2.The PontificalCommission assists Diocesan / eparchial Bishops, Episcopal Conferences and Eastern Hierarchical Structures, Superiors of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and their Conferences in developing appropriate strategies and procedures, through Guidelines, to protect against sexual abuse minors and vulnerable persons and provide an adequate response to such conduct by the clergy and members of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, according to canonical norms and taking into account the requirements of civil law.

§ 3. The members of the Pontifical Commission are appointed by the Roman Pontiff for five years and are chosen from among clerics, members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and lay people of various nationalities who are distinguished by science, proven ability and pastoral experience. .

§ 4. The Pontifical Commission is presided over by a delegated President and a Secretary, both appointed by the Roman Pontiff for a period of five years.

§ 5. The Pontifical Commission has its own Officials and operates according to its own approved norms.

Dicastery for the Service of Charity

Art. 79

The Dicastery for the Service of Charity, also called Apostolic Almsgiving, is a special expression of mercy and, starting from the option for the poor, the vulnerable and the excluded, carries out the work of assistance and help anywhere in the world . towards them in the name of the Roman Pontiff, who in cases of particular poverty or other necessity personally arranges the aid to be allocated.

Art. 80

The Dicastery, under the guidance of the Prefect, the Almsgiver of His Holiness,in contact with other Dicasteries competent in the matter, he makes concrete, with his activity, the concern and closeness of the Roman Pontiff, as Pastor of the universal Church,with regard to those who live in situations of destitution, marginalization or poverty, as well as on the occasion of serious calamities.

Art. 81

§ 1. The Dicastery is competent to receive, seek and solicit free donations destined for the works of charity which the Roman Pontiff exercises towards the most needy.

§ 2. The Almsgiver of His Holiness also has the faculty to grant the Apostolic Blessing by means of duly authenticated diplomas on parchment paper.

Dicastery for the Eastern Churches

Art. 82

§ 1. The Dicastery deals with matters concerning the Eastern Catholic Churches sui iuris , with regard to persons andthe things.

§ 2. Since some of these Churches, especially the ancient patriarchal Churches, are of ancient tradition, the Dicastery will examine from time to time, after having consulted, if necessary, the Dicasteries concerned, which matters relating to internal governance can be left to their superior authorities, notwithstanding the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.

Art. 83

§ 1. The following are members by right of the Dicastery: the Patriarchs, the Major Archbishops of the Oriental Churches sui iuris and the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity.

§ 2. As far as possible, the Consultors and Officials are to be chosen both from among the faithful of the Eastern Rite of the various Churches sui iuris and from among the faithful of the Latin Rite.

Art. 84

§ 1. The Dicastery is competent for all the affairs proper to the Eastern Churcheswhich must be referred to the Apostolic See regarding: the structure and organization of the Churches; the exercise of the functions of teaching, sanctifying and governing; people, their status, their rights and duties. It also deals with everything that is established regarding quinquennial reports and visits „ad limina Apostolorum“ .

§ 2.Given § 1, the specific and exclusive competence of the Dicasteries for the Doctrine of the Faith, for the Causes of Saints, always remains intact,for legislative texts, of the Apostolic Penitentiary, of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura and of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota.

§ 3. With regard to matters which also concern the faithful of the Latin Church, the Dicastery, if the importance of the matter so requires, must consult the Dicastery before proceeding.competent for the same matter towards the faithful of the Latin Church.

Art. 85

The Dicastery closely follows the communities of Eastern faithful who are in the territorial Circumscriptions of the Latin Church. He provides for their spiritual needs through visitors and also, as far as possible, through his own hierarchy where the number of the faithful and circumstances require it, after having consulted the competent Dicastery for the constitution of particular Churches in the same territory.

Art. 86

In the regions where Eastern rites have prevailed since ancient times, the apostolate and missionary action depend exclusively on this Dicastery, even if they are carried out by missionaries of the Latin Church.

Art. 87

The Dicastery proceeds in mutual agreement with the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity in matters that may concern relations with the non-Catholic Eastern Churches and also with the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and with the Dicastery for Culture and Education. in the matter that concerns them.

Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments

Art. 88

The Dicasteryfor Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments promotes the sacred liturgy according to the renewal undertaken by the Second Vatican Council. The spheres of its competence concern everything that, by provision of law, belongs to the Apostolic See regarding the regulation and promotion of the sacred liturgy and supervision.so that the laws of the Church and the liturgical norms are faithfully observed everywhere.

Art. 89

§ 1. It is the duty of the Dicastery to arrange for the drafting or revision and updating of the typical editions of liturgical books.

§ 2. The Dicastery confirms the translations of the liturgical books into current languages ​​and gives the recognitio to their suitable adaptations to local cultures, legitimately approved by the Episcopal Conferences. He also gives therecognitio to particular Calendars, to the Proper of Masses and Liturgy of the Hours of particular Churches and Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life approved by the relevant competent Authority.

§ 3. The Dicastery assists diocesan Bishops and Episcopal Conferences in promoting, with effective and adequate means, liturgical pastoral action, in particular with regard to the celebration of the Eucharist and other Sacraments and liturgical acts, so that the faithful participate in it ever more actively. Together with the Episcopal Conferences, he encourages reflection on possible forms of inculturated liturgiesand accompanies their contextualization.

Art. 90

§ 1. The Dicastery takes care of the discipline of the sacraments and the juridical implications pertaining to their valid and lawful celebration, as well as of sacramentals, without prejudice to the competence of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

§ 2. It examines and grants requests for indult and dispensation which, in regard to this matter, exceed the competences of the diocesan Bishops.

Art. 91

The Dicastery promotes and animates the periodic celebration of International Eucharistic Congresses and offers its collaboration in the celebration of National Eucharistic Congresses.

Art. 92

The Dicastery deals with areas concerning liturgical life:

1. promoting liturgical formation at various levels, including through pluriregional conferences;

2. supporting the Commissions or Institutes created to promote the liturgical apostolate, music, song and sacred art;

3. by setting up associations that promote these purposes of an international nature, or by approving their statutes.

Art. 93

The Dicastery deals with the regulation and discipline of the sacred liturgy as regards the use – granted according to established norms – of the liturgical books prior to the reform of the Second Vatican Council.

Art. 94

The Dicastery is responsible for the protection of the cult of sacred relics, the confirmation of the heavenly patrons and the granting of the title of minor basilica.

Art. 95

The Dicastery collaborates with the diocesan Bishops so thatthecultic expressions of the pious exercises of the Christian people are to be increased in accordance with the norms of the Church and in harmony with the sacred liturgy, recalling its principles and giving guidelines for the purpose of their fruitful implementation in the particular Churches.

Art. 96

The Dicastery assists the Bishops in their proper office of being the moderators, promoters and custodians of the entire liturgical life of the Church entrusted to them, providing indications and suggestions for promoting correct liturgical formation, in order to prevent and eliminate any abuses.

Art. 97

In order to carry out its tasks in the best possible way, the Dicastery, as well as its Members and Consultors, avails itself of the collaboration and periodic comparison with the Episcopal Commissions for the Liturgy of the various Episcopal Conferences and with the International Committees for the translations of liturgical books into languages. common to several nations, also valuing with attention the contribution in liturgical matters of the institutes of ecclesiastical higher studies.

Dicastery for the Causes of Saints

Art. 98

The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints treats, according to the prescribed procedure, everything concerning the Causes of beatification and canonization.

Art. 99

§ 1. The Dicastery gives special norms and assists diocesan / eparchial Bishops with advice and indications, who are responsible for the instruction of the Cause.

§ 2. He examines the acts of the causes already instructed, verifying that the procedure has been completed according tothe norms and expressing a judgment of merit on the causes themselves in order to submit them to the Roman Pontiff.

Art. 100

The Dicastery supervises the application of the rules governing the administration of the Fund of the assets of the Causes.

Art. 101

The Dicastery establishes the canonical procedure to be followed to verify and declare the authenticity of sacred relics and to guarantee their conservation.

Art. 102

It is up to the Dicastery to judge on the granting of the title of Doctor of the Church to be attributed to a Saint, after having obtained the vote of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding his eminent doctrine.

Dicastery for Bishops

Art. 103

The Dicastery for Bishops is responsible for everything relating to the constitution and provision of particular Churches and the exercise of the episcopal office in the Latin Church, without prejudice to the competence of the Dicastery for Evangelization.

Art. 104

It is for the Dicastery, after having collected the necessary elements and in collaboration with the Bishops and the Episcopal Conferences, to deal with the constitution of the particular Churches and their groupings, their division, unification, suppression and other changes, as well as what concerns the erection of military ordinariates and the erection of personal ordinariates for the Anglican faithful who enter full communion with the Catholic Church within the territorial boundaries of a specific Episcopal Conference, after having heard the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and consulted the Conference itself.

Art. 105

§ 1. The Dicastery provides for everything pertaining to the appointment of diocesan and titular Bishops, apostolic administrators and, in general, to the provision of particular Churches. He does so taking into consideration the proposals of the particular Churches, of the Episcopal Conferences and of the Pontifical Representations and after having consulted the members of the Presidency of the respective Episcopal Conference and the Metropolitan. In this process he also involves members of the people of God of the interested Dioceses in appropriate ways.

§ 2. The Dicastery, in agreement with the Episcopal Conferencesand their regional and continental Unions, indicates the criteria for the choice of candidates. These criteria must take into account the different cultural needs and be periodically evaluated.

§ 3. The Dicastery also deals with the resignation of Bishops from their office, in conformity with the canonical dispositions.

Art. 106

Whenever for the constitution or modification of particular Churches and their groupings, as well as for the provision of particular Churches, it is necessary to deal with governments, the Dicastery will proceed only after having consulted the Section of the Secretariat of State for Relations with States and International Organizations and Episcopal Conferences concerned.

Art. 107

§ 1. The Dicastery offers the Bishops every collaboration with regard to the correct and fruitful exercise of the pastoral office entrusted to them.

§ 2. In cases where a special intervention is required for the proper exercise of the episcopal function of government, if the Metropolitan or the Episcopal Conferences are unable to resolve the problem, it is the responsibility of the Dicastery, if necessary by mutual agreement with the other competent Dicasteries, call fraternal or apostolic visits and, proceeding in the same way, evaluate the results and propose to the Roman Pontiff the decisions deemed appropriate.

Art. 108

It is up to the Dicastery to prepare everything that refers to the ad limina Apostolorum visits of the particular Churches entrusted to its care. To this end he examines the reports sent by the diocesan bishops in accordance with art. 40; he assists the Bishops in their stay in the city by arranging in an adequate way the meeting with the Roman Pontiff, the pilgrimages to the Papal Basilicas and the other talks; finally, at the end of the visit, he sends them in writing the conclusions, suggestions and proposals of the Dicastery for the respective particular Churches and Episcopal Conferences.

Art. 109

§ 1. The Dicastery, without prejudice to the competence of the Dicastery for Evangelization, deals with the formation of new Bishops with the help of Bishops of proven wisdom, prudence and experience, as well as experts fromfrom the different areas of the universal Church.

§ 2. The Dicastery periodically offers the Bishops opportunities for ongoing formation and refresher courses.

Art. 110

The Dicastery carries out its activity in a spirit of service and in close collaboration with the Episcopal Conferences and their regional and continental Unions. He works towards them as regards the celebration of particular councils and the constitution of episcopal conferences and the recognitio of their statutes. He receives the acts and decrees of the above-mentioned Organisms, examines them and, having consulted the Dicasteries concerned, gives the necessary recognitio to the decrees . Finally, he fulfills what is established by the canonical dispositions regarding the ecclesiastical provinces and regions.

Art. 111

§ 1. The Pontifical Commission for Latin America is established within the Dicastery, whose task is to attend to the study of the questions concerning the life and development of the particular Churches themselves in aid of the Dicasteries concerned by reason of their competence and to assist them with the council. and with economic means.

§ 2. It is also responsible for fostering relations between the international and national ecclesiastical institutions, which work for the regions of Latin America, and the curial institutions.

Art. 112

§ 1. The President of the Commission is the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, who is assisted by one or more Secretaries. These are flanked as Councilors by some Bishops chosen from both the Roman Curia and the Churches of Latin America. The Secretary and the Councilors are appointed by the Roman Pontiff for five years.

§ 2. The Members of the Commission are chosen from among the Curial Institutions, the Latin American Episcopal Council, the Bishops of the Latin American regions and the Institutions referred to in the previous article. They are appointed by the Roman Pontiff for five years.

§ 3. The Commission has its own Officials.

Dicastery for the Clergy

Art. 113

§ 1. The Dicastery for the Clergy deals with everything that refers to priests and deacons of the diocesan clergy with regard to their persons, their pastoral ministry and what is necessary for their fruitful exercise. In these matters he offers the Bishops the appropriate help.

§ 2. The Dicastery manifests and carries out the concern of the Apostolic See with regard to the formation of candidates for sacred Orders.

Art. 114

§ 1. The Dicastery assists diocesan Bishops so that in their Churches the pastoral care of vocations to the ordained ministry is provided and in the seminaries, established and directed according to the norm of law, the students are adequately educated with a solid human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation.

§ 2. Insofar as it falls within the competence of the Holy See by law, the Dicastery ensures that community life and the governance of seminaries complyto the requirements of priestly formation and also that Superiors and educators contribute as much as possible, by example and correct doctrine, to the formation of the personality of future ordained ministers.

§ 3. It is the responsibility of the Dicastery to promote all that concernsthe formation of future clerics through specific norms such as the Ratio fundamentalis institutionis sacerdotalis and the Ratio fundamentalis institutionis diaconorum permanentium , as well as other documents relating to ongoing formation.

§ 4. It is the responsibility of the Dicasteryconfirm the Ratio Institutionis Sacerdotalis Nationalis issued by the Episcopal Conferences, as well as confirm the erection of interdiocesan seminaries and their Statutes.

§ 5. To guarantee and improve the quality of priestly formation, the Dicastery promotes the erection of interdiocesan seminaries where diocesan seminaries cannot guarantee adequate formation with a sufficient number of candidates for the ordained ministry, the due quality of formators, teachers and spiritual directors, as well as the support of other necessary structures.

Art. 115

§ 1. The Dicastery offers assistance to diocesan bishops and episcopal conferencesin their respective activity of government in all that concerns the life, discipline, rights and obligations of clerics and collaborates in their ongoing formation. It also ensures that the diocesan bishops or episcopal conferences provide for the maintenance and social security of the clergy in accordance with the law.

§ 2. It is competent to administratively examine any disputes and hierarchical appeals presented by clerics, including members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, with regard to the exercise of the ministry,without prejudice to the provisions of art. 28 § 1.

§ 3. It studies, with the help of the competent Dicasteries, the problems arising from the lack of priests which in different parts of the world deprives the people of God of the possibility of participating in the Eucharist on the one hand and on the other makes the structure disappear. sacramental of the Church itself. It encourages, therefore, the Bishops and the Episcopal Conferences to a more adequate distribution of the clergy.

Art. 116

§ 1. It belongs to the Dicasteryto treat, in accordance with canonical dispositions, what concerns the clerical state as such of all clerics, including members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and permanent deacons, in agreement with the competent Dicasterieswhen the circumstances require it.

§ 2. The Dicastery is competent for cases of dispensation from the obligations assumed by ordination to the diaconate and to the presbyterate by diocesan clerics and members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, of the Latin Church and of the Eastern Churches.

Art. 117

The Dicastery has competence over everything that pertains to the Holy See regarding personal Prelatures.

Art. 118

The Dicastery deals with issues within the competence of the Holy See regarding:

1. the general discipline regarding the diocesan council for economic affairs, the presbyteral council, the college of consultors, the chapter of canons, the diocesan pastoral council, the parishes, the churches;

2. land clerical associations and clerical public associations; to the latter he can grant the faculty of incardinating, after having consulted the competent Dicasteries and received the approval of the Roman Pontiff;

3. the ecclesiastical archives;

4. the extinction of pious wills in general and pious foundations.

Art. 119

As far as the Holy See is concerned, the Dicastery deals with the organization of ecclesiastical goods, in particular their proper administration., and grants the necessary licenses and authorizations, without prejudice to the competence of the Dicasteries for Evangelization, for the Eastern Churches and for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life.

Art. 120

The Pontifical Society for Priestly Vocations and the Permanent Interdicasterial Commission for Formation in Holy Orders, chaired ex officio by the Prefect, are constituted at the Dicastery.

Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life

Art. 121

It is the responsibility of the Dicastery to promote, animate and regulate the practice of the evangelical counsels, in the way it is lived in the approved forms of consecrated life,and also with regard to the life and activity of the Societies of Apostolic Life throughout the Latin Church.

Art. 122

§ 1. It is for the Dicastery to approve the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, to erect them and also to grant the license for the validity of the erection of an Institute of Consecrated Life or Society of Apostolic Life of diocesan right by the Bishop.

§ 2. Mergers, unions and suppressions of such Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life are also reserved to the Dicastery.

§ 3. It is the responsibility of the Dicastery to approve and regulate forms of consecrated life that are new to those already recognized by law.

§ 4. It is the duty of the Dicastery to erect and suppress unions, confederations, federations of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

Art. 123

The Dicastery works to ensure that Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life progress in the following of Christ as proposed by the Gospel, according to their own charism born of the spirit of the founder and sound traditions, faithfully pursue their own purposes and contribute effectively. to the building up of the Church and its mission in the world.

Art. 124

§ 1. In conformity with the canonical norms, the Dicastery deals with the questions of competence of the Apostolic See concerning the life and activity of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, in particular with regard to:

1. the approval of the Constitutions and their modifications;

2. the ordinary government and the discipline of the members;

3. the incorporation and training of members, also by means of specific rules and directives;

4. temporal goods and their administration;

5. the apostolate;

6. extraordinary government measures.

§ 2. The following are also the responsibility of the Dicastery, according to the norm of law:

1. the passage of a member to another approved form of consecrated life;

2. the extension of absence and exclaustration beyond the term granted by the supreme moderators;

3. the indult to leave members with perpetual vows from Institutes of Consecrated Life or Societies of Apostolic Life of pontifical right;

4. the imposed exclaustration;

5. the examination of the appeals against the decree of dismissal of the members.

Art. 125

It is the responsibility of the Dicastery to erect the International Conferences of Major Superiors, to approve their Statutes and to ensure that their activity is ordered to its own purposes.

Art. 126

§ 1.The eremitical life and the Ordo Virginum are forms of consecrated life and as such are subject to the Dicastery.

§ 2. It is the responsibility of the Dicastery to establish associations of Ordines Virginum at the international level.

Art. 127

The competence of the Dicastery also extends to Third Orders and associations of the faithful erected with a view to becoming an Institute of Consecrated Life or a Society of Apostolic Life.

Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life

Art. 128

§ 1. The Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life is competent for the enhancement of the apostolate of the lay faithful, the pastoral care of young people, the family and its mission according to the plan of God, of the elderly and for the promotion and the protection of Life.

§ 2. In pursuing its own competences, the Dicastery maintains relations with the particular Churches, with the Episcopal Conferences, their regional and continental Unions, the Eastern hierarchical structures and other ecclesial Bodies, promoting the exchange between them and offering its collaboration so that the values ​​and initiatives connected to these matters are promoted.

Art. 129

In animating and encouraging the promotion of the vocation and mission of the lay faithful in the Church and in the world, the Dicastery collaborates with the various lay ecclesial realities so that the lay faithful share both their experiences of faith in the pastoral and governance of the Church. in social realities, both their own secular skills.

Art. 130

The Dicastery expresses the Church’s particular concern for young people, promoting their leadership in the midst of the challenges of the world.It supports the initiatives of the Roman Pontiff in the field of youth ministry and places itself at the service of the Episcopal Conferences and Eastern hierarchical structures, of international youth associations and movements, fostering their collaboration and organizing meetings at an international level.

Art. 131

The Dicastery endeavors to deepen the reflection on the man-woman relationship in their respective specificity, reciprocity, complementarity and equal dignity. He offers his contribution to ecclesial reflection on the identity and mission of women and men in the Church and in society by promoting their participation, enhancing female and male peculiarities and also developing models of guiding roles for women in the Church.

Art. 132

The Dicastery studies issues relating to cooperation between lay people and ministers ordained by virtue of Baptism and the diversity of charisms and ministries, to foster in both the awareness of co-responsibility for the life and mission of the Church.

Art. 133

It is the duty of the Dicastery, in agreement with the other Dicasteries concerned, to evaluate and approve the proposals of the Bishops‘ Conferences relating to the establishment of new ecclesiastical ministries and offices to be entrusted to the laity, according to the needs of the particular Churches.

Art. 134

Within the sphere of its own competence, the Dicastery accompanies the life and development of aggregations of the faithful and ecclesial movements; recognizes or erects in conformity with the provisions of canon law those which have an international character and approves their statutes, without prejudice to the competence of the Secretariat of State; it also deals with any hierarchical appeals relating to associative life and the apostolate of the laity.

Art. 135

The Dicastery promotes the pastoral care of marriage and the family on the basis of the teachings of the Magisterium of the Church. He works to guarantee the recognition of the rights and duties of spouses and the family in the Church, in society, in the economy and in politics. He promotes international meetings and events.

Art. 136

In coordination with the Departments for Evangelization and for Culture and Education, the Dicastery supports the development and dissemination of models for the transmission of the faith in families and encourages parents to a concrete life of faith in everyday life. He also promotes models of inclusion in pastoral care and school education.

Art. 137

§ 1. The Dicastery examines, with the contribution of the Episcopal Conferences and the Eastern hierarchical structures, the variety of anthropological, socio-cultural and economic conditions of coexistence in the couple and in the family.

§ 2. The Dicastery studies and deepens, with the support of experts, the major causes of crises in marriages and families, with particular attention to the experiences of people involved in marriage failures, especially with regard to children, in order to encourage greater awareness of the value of the family and the role of parents in society and in the Church.

§ 3. It is the task of the Dicastery, in collaboration with the Episcopal Conferences and the Eastern hierarchical structures, to collect and propose models of pastoral accompaniment, of formation of conscience and of integration for the divorced and civilly remarried and also for those who, in some cultures, live in situations of polygamy.

Art. 138

§ 1. The Dicastery supports initiatives in favor of responsible procreation, as well as for the protection of human life from its conception to its natural end, bearing in mind the needs of the person in the various stages of development.

§ 2.The Dicastery promotes and encourages organizations and associations that help families and individuals to responsibly welcome and cherish the gift of life, especially in the case of difficult pregnancies and to prevent recourse to abortion. It also supports programs and initiatives of particular Churches, Episcopal Conferences and Eastern hierarchical structures aimed at helping people involved in abortion.

Art. 139

§ 1. The Dicastery studies the main problems of biomedicine and law relating to human life, in dialogue, on the basis of the Magisterium of the Church, with the various theological disciplines and with other pertinent sciences. He examines the developing theories inherent in human life and the reality of humankind. In the study of the aforementioned subjects, the Dicastery proceeds in agreement with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

§ 2. In the same way, it reflects on the changes in social life, in order to promote the human person in his full and harmonious development, valuing progress and noting the drifts that hinder him at the cultural and social level.

Art. 140

The Dicastery follows the activities of Catholic, national and international institutions, associations, movements and organizations, whose purpose is to serve the good of the family.

Art. 141

§ 1. The Dicastery collaborates with the Pontifical Academy for Lifeon the issues of the protection and promotion of human life and makes use of its expertise.

§ 2. The Dicastery collaborates with the „Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute for the Sciences of Marriage and the Family“, both with the Central Section and with the other Sections and associated / connected Centers, to promote a common direction in studies on marriage , family and life.

Dicasteryfor the Promotion of Christian Unity

Art. 142

It is the duty of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity to apply appropriate initiatives and activities to ecumenical commitment, both within the Catholic Church and in relations with other Churches and Ecclesial Communities, to restore unity among Christians.

Art. 143

§ 1. It is the duty of the Dicastery to implement the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and of the post-conciliar Magisterium concerning ecumenism.

§ 2. It deals with the correct interpretation and faithful application of ecumenical principles and directives established for orienting, coordinating and developing ecumenical activity.

§ 3. It favors Catholic meetings and events, both national and international, aimed at promoting Christian unity.

§ 4. Coordinates the ecumenical initiatives of the other Curial Institutions, of the Offices and of the Institutions connected with the Holy See with the other Churches and Ecclesial Communities.

Art. 144

§ 1. Having previously submitted the questions to the Roman Pontiff, the Dicastery takes care of relations with the other Churches and Ecclesial Communities. He promotes theological dialogue and talks to foster unity with them, making use of the collaboration of experts.

§ 2. It is for the Dicastery to designate Catholic members of theological dialogues, Catholic observers and delegates for the various ecumenical meetings. Whenever it seems appropriate, he invites observers, or „fraternal delegates“ of other Churches and Ecclesial Communities to the most significant meetings and events of the Catholic Church.

§ 3. The Dicastery promotes ecumenical initiatives also on the spiritual, pastoral and cultural level.

Art. 145

§ 1. Since the Dicastery, by its very nature, must often deal with questions inherent to the faith, it is necessary that itproceed in agreement with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, especially when it comes to issuing public documents or declarations.

§ 2. In dealing with matters concerning relations between the Eastern Catholic Churches and the Orthodox or Eastern Orthodox Churches, it collaborates with the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches and the Secretariat of State.

Art. 146

In orderto advance the relationship between Catholics and Jews, the Commission for religious relations with Judaism is set up at the Dicastery. It is directed by the Prefect.

Dicasteryfor Interreligious Dialogue

Art. 147

The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue favors and regulates relations with members and groups of religions that are not included under the Christian name, with the exception of Judaism, whose competence belongs to the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity.

Art. 148

The Dicastery works to ensure that dialogue with the followers of other religions takes place in an appropriate way, with an attitude of listening, esteem and respect. He favors different forms of relationships with them so that, throughthe contribution of all, peace, freedom, social justice, protection and safeguarding of creation, spiritual and moral values ​​are promoted.

Art. 149

§ 1. Aware that interreligious dialogue is made concrete through action, theological exchange and spiritual experience, the Dicastery promotes a true search for God among all men. It favors appropriate studies and conferences to develop mutual information and mutual esteem, so that human dignity and the spiritual and moral riches of people can grow.

 

§ 2. It is the duty of the Dicastery to help diocesan / eparchial Bishops in the formation of those who engage in interreligious dialogue.

Art. 150

§ 1. Recognizing that there are different religious traditionswho sincerely seek God, the Dicastery has specialized personnel for various areas.

§ 2. In order to promote relations with members of different religious beliefs, Commissions are set up in the Dicastery, under the guidance of the Prefect and in collaboration with the Episcopal Conferences and the Eastern hierarchical Structures concerned,including that to promote relations with Muslims from a religious point of view.

Art. 151

In exercising its functions, the Dicastery, when the matter requires it, proceeds by mutual agreement with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and, if necessary, with the Departments for the Eastern Churches and for Evangelization.

Art. 152

§ 1. In carrying out its functions, the Dicastery proceeds and plans its initiatives in agreement with the particular Churches, the Episcopal Conferences, their regional and continental Unions and the Eastern hierarchical structures.

§ 2. The Dicastery also encourages particular Churches to undertake initiatives in the field of interreligious dialogue.

Dicastery for Culture and Education

Art. 153

§ 1. The Dicastery for Culture and Education works for the development of human values ​​in people within the horizon of Christian anthropology, contributing to the full realization of the following of Jesus Christ.

§ 2. The Dicastery is made up of the Section for Culture, dedicated to the promotion of culture, pastoral animation and the enhancement of cultural heritage, and the Section for Education, which develops the fundamental principles of education with reference to schools , aiHigher institutes of Catholic and ecclesiastical studies and research and is competent for hierarchical appeals in these matters.

Art. 154

The Section for Culture promotes and supports relations between the Holy See and the world of Culture, confronting itself with the multiple issues emerging from it and especially favoring dialogue as an essential tool for true encounter, mutual interaction and mutual enrichment, so that the various cultures open themselves more and more to the Gospel as well as the Christian faith towards them, and lovers of the arts, literature and sciences, technology and sport should know and feel recognized by the Church as persons at the service of the sincere search for true, of the good and the beautiful.

Art. 155

The Section for Culture offers its help and collaboration so that the diocesan / eparchial bishops, the episcopal conferences and the eastern hierarchical structures protect and preserve the historical heritage, particularly the documents and juridical instruments that concern and attest to life and care. pastoral care of ecclesial realities, as well as the artistic and cultural heritage, to be kept with the utmost diligence in archives, libraries and museums, churches and other buildings to be available to all those who have an interest in them.

Art. 156

§ 1. The Sectionper la Cultura promotes and encourages dialogue between the multiple cultures present within the Church, thus fostering mutual enrichment.

§ 2. It strives to ensure that diocesan / eparchial bishops, episcopal conferences and eastern hierarchical structures enhance and protect local cultures with their patrimony of wisdom and spirituality as a wealth for all humanity.

Art. 157

§ 1. The Section for Culture takes appropriate initiatives concerning culture; he follows the projects that are undertaken by the specific institutions of the Church and, where necessary, he offers them his collaboration, without prejudice to the autonomy of their respective research programs.

§ 2. In agreement with the Secretariat of State, it is interested in and follows the action programs undertaken by States and international Bodies aimed at promoting the promotion of culture and the enhancement of cultural heritage and, in these areas, participates, according to the opportunity, at international fora, at specialized conferences and promotes or supports congresses.

Art. 158

The Section for Culture establishes and promotes initiatives for dialogue with those who, while not professing a particular religion, sincerely seek an encounter with the Truth of God, and also shows the Church’s pastoral concern for those who do not profess any creed.

Art. 159

§ 1. The Sectionfor Education it collaborates with the diocesan / eparchial Bishops, the Episcopal Conferences and the Eastern hierarchical structures so that the fundamental principles of Education, especially the Catholic one, are received and deepened so that they can be implemented contextually and culturally.

§ 2. It supports diocesan / eparchial bishops, episcopal conferences and eastern hierarchical structures which, for the promotion of the Catholic identity of schools andhigher education institutes, may issue norms that define their criteria in a particular cultural context. Together with them, he ensures that the integrity of the Catholic faith is safeguarded in doctrinal teaching.

Art. 160

§ 1. The Section for Education supports diocesan / eparchial bishops, episcopal conferences and eastern hierarchical structures in establishing the norms according to which Catholic schools of every order and grade must be erected and, in them, provision should be made for also to educational pastoral care as part of evangelization.

§ 2. Promotes the teaching of the Catholic religion in schools.

Art. 161

§ 1. The Education Section collaborates with diocesan / eparchial bishops, episcopal conferences and eastern hierarchical structures in promoting in the whole Church the birth and development of a sufficient and qualified number of ecclesiastical and Catholic higher education institutes and of other study institutes, in which sacred disciplines, humanistic and scientific studies are deepened and promoted taking into account Christian truth, so that students are adequately trained in the fulfillment of their roles in the Church and in society.

§ 2. It is competent for the formalities necessary for the recognition by the States of academic degrees issued in the name of the Holy See.

§ 3. It is the competent authority to approve and erecthigher education institutes and other ecclesiastical academic institutions, approve their statutes and monitor their observance, including in relations with civil authorities. As far as Catholic higher education institutes are concerned, it deals with matters which, by law, fall within the competence of the Holy See.

§ 4. Promotes cooperation between ecclesiastical and Catholic higher education institutes and their associations.

§ 5. It is competent for the issue of the nulla osta that teachers need in order to be able to access the teaching of theological disciplines, given art. 72 § 2.

§ 6. Collaborates with other competent Dicasteries in supporting diocesan / eparchial Bishops and other Ordinaries / Hierarchs, Episcopal Conferences and Eastern hierarchical structures in the academic formation of clerics, members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and lay people preparing for service in the Church.

Art. 162

The Dicastery for Culture and Education also coordinates the activities of some Pontifical Academies, some of ancient foundations, in which the major international personalities of the theological and humanistic sciences, chosen between believers and non-believers, are co-opted. Currently they are: the Pontifical Distinguished Academy of Fine Arts and Letters of the Virtuosi at the Pantheon; the Pontifical Roman Academy of Archeology; the Pontifical Academy of Theology; the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas; the Pontifical International Marian Academy; the Pontifical Academy Cultorum Martyrum ; the Pontifical Academy of Latinity.

Dicasteryforthe Integral Human Development Service

Art. 163

§ 1. The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has the task of promoting the human person and his God-given dignity, human rights, health, justice and peace. It is mainly interested in questions relating to the economy and work, care for creation and the earth as a „common home“, migration and humanitarian emergencies.

§ 2.Deepens and disseminates the Church’s social doctrine on integral human development and recognizes and interprets the needs of the Church in the light of the Gospel.and the concerns of mankind about their time and the future.

§ 3. It supports the particular Churches, the Episcopal Conferences,their regional and continental Unions and the Eastern hierarchical structures in the field of integral human promotion, recognizing their contribution.

§ 4. It makes use of the contribution of experts belonging to Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and of Organizations for development and humanitarian intervention. It collaborates with representatives of civil society and international organizations, in compliance with the competences of the Secretariat of State.

Art. 164

The Dicastery, in collaboration with the Bishops‘ Conferences, their regional and continental Unions and the Eastern hierarchical structures, accompanies processes of implementation of the Magisterium of the Church in the areas of protection and integral development of the environment, cooperating with the members of other Christian confessions and of other religions, with the authorities and civil organizations and international organizations.

Art. 165

In its activity to promote justice and peace, the Dicastery:

1. is actively involved in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, also identifying and analyzing, in agreement with the Secretariat of State and the involvement of the Bishops‘ Conferences and Eastern hierarchical structures, possible situations that may cause them;

2. undertakes to defend and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of the human person as well as social, economic and political rights;

3. Supports initiatives against trafficking in human beings, forced prostitution, the exploitation of minors and vulnerable people and the various forms of slavery and torture and works to ensure that the international community is attentive and sensitivethe issue of the treatment of prisoners and their living conditions and is committed to the abolition of the death penalty;

4. endeavors to ensure that effective and appropriate material and spiritual assistance is offered in the particular Churches – if necessary also through appropriate pastoral structures –to migrants, refugees, displaced persons and other subjects of human mobility in need of specific pastoral care.

Art. 166

§ 1. The Dicastery promotes the pastoral care of seafarers in particular Churches, both at sea and in ports, especially through the Work of the Apostolate of the Sea , of which it exercises the direction.

 

§ 2. Carries out the same concern for those who have a job or perform their work in airports or on airplanes.

Art. 167

The Dicastery, in collaboration with the Bishops‘ Conferences, their regional and continental Unions and the Eastern hierarchical structures, promotes the fight against poverty, collaborating with the Cooperation Institutesnational and international for the achievement of integral human development.It encourages initiatives against corruption and in favor of good governance, so as to serve the public interest and increase trust in the international community.

Art. 168

The Dicastery promotes and defendsequitable models of economy and sober lifestyles,above all by promoting initiatives against the economic and social exploitation of poor countries, asymmetrical commercial relations,financial speculation ethe development models that create exclusions.

Art. 169

The Dicastery works in collaboration with the diocesan / eparchial Bishops, the Episcopal Conferences and the Eastern hierarchical structures so thatsensitivity to peace, commitment to justice and solidarity towards the weakest and most socially fragile people grow, especially on the occasion of their own World Days .

Art. 170

The Dicastery analyzes together with the Bishops‘ Conferences, their regional and continental Unions and the Eastern hierarchical structures, the major causes of migration and flight from the countries of origin, committing itself to their removal; he promotes solidarity and integration initiatives in the host countries.It collaborates, in agreement with the Secretariat of State, withtheDevelopment organizations, humanitarian intervention organizations and international organizations for the drafting and adoption of laws in favor of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

Art. 171

The Dicastery promotes and encourages just and integral health care. It supports the initiatives of Dioceses / Eparchies, Institutes of Consecrated Life, Societies of Apostolic Life, Caritas and lay associations to avoid the marginalization of the sick and disabled, insufficient care due to lack of personnel, hospital and drug supply equipment in poor countries. He pays attention to the lack of research in the fight against disease.

Art. 172

§ 1. The Dicastery collaborates with the Secretariat of State also by participating in the Delegations of the Holy See in intergovernmental meetings on matters within its competence.

§ 2. Maintains close relations with the Secretariat of State especially when he intends to express himself publicly, through documents or declarations, on matters pertaining to relations with civil governments and with other subjects of international law.

Art. 173

The Dicastery collaborates with the Works of the Holy See for humanitarian aid in crisis areas, cooperating with the ecclesial humanitarian and development organizations.

Art. 174

§ 1. The Dicastery maintains a close relationship with the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and with the Pontifical Academy for Life, taking into account their Statutes.

§ 2. It has jurisdiction over Caritas Internationalis and theInternational Catholic Commission for Migration, according to their Statutes.

§ 3. Exercise the competencesreserved by law to the Holy See in establishing and supervising international charitable associations and Funds established for the same purposes, as established in the respective Statutesand in compliance with current legislation.

Dicastery for Legislative Texts

Art. 175

§ 1. The Dicastery for Legislative Texts promotes and disseminates in the Church the knowledge and acceptance of the canon law of the Latin Church and that of the Eastern Churches and offers assistance for its correct application.

§ 2. It performs its duties at the service of the Roman Pontiff, of the Curial Institutions and Offices, of the Diocesan / Eparchial Bishops, of the Episcopal Conferences, of the Eastern hierarchical Structures and also of the Supreme Moderators of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and of the Societies of Apostolic Life of pontifical right.

§ 3. In carrying out his duties he avails himself of the collaboration of canonists belonging to different cultures and working in different continents.

Art. 176

It is up to this Dicastery to formulate the authentic interpretation of the laws of the Church, approved in a specific form by the Roman Pontiff, as Supreme Legislator and Interpreter, after having heard the curial institutions and the offices of the Roman Curia competent for individual matters in matters of greater importance. taken into consideration.

Art. 177

In the event that a doubt of law arises such as not to require an authentic interpretation, the Dicastery can offer appropriate clarifications about the meaning of the norms by means of an interpretation formulated according to the criteria established by canonical norms. These clarifications may take the form of Statements or Explanatory Notes.

Art. 178

The Dicastery, studying the current legislation of the Latin Church and of the Eastern Churches and according to the requests that come to it from ecclesial practice, examines the possible presence of lacunae legis and presents to the Roman Pontiff adequate proposals for their overcoming. He also verifies any need to update current legislation and suggests amendments, ensuring the harmony and effectiveness of the law.

Art. 179

The Dicastery assists the Curial Institutions in the preparation of general executive decrees, instructions and other texts of a normative nature, so that they comply with the prescriptions of the universal law in force and drafted in the due juridical form.

Art. 180

General decrees issued by plenary councils or episcopal conferences and eastern hierarchical structures are submitted to this dicastery by the dicastery competent to grant the recognitio , to be examined under the juridical aspect.

Art. 181

The Dicastery, at the request of the interested parties, determines whether the laws and general decrees issued by legislators inferior to the Roman Pontiff are in conformity with the universal law of the Church.

Art. 182

§ 1. The Dicastery promotes the study of the canon law of the Latin Church and of the Eastern Churches and of other legislative texts by organizing interdicasterial meetings, conferences and promoting associations of international and national canonists.

§ 2. The Dicastery pays particular attention to correct canonical practice, so that law in the Church is adequately understood and correctly applied; equally, when necessary, he warns the competent Authority with reference to the emergence of illegitimate practices and offers advice in this regard.

Dicastery for Communication

Art. 183

The Dicastery for Communication deals with the entire communication system of the Apostolic See and, in structural unity and in compliance with the relative operational characteristics, unifies all the realities of the Holy See in the field of communication,so that the entire system responds in a coherent way to the needs of the evangelizing mission of the Church in a context characterized by the presence and development of digital media, by the factors of convergence and interactivity.

Art. 184

The Dicastery provides for the needs of the Church’s evangelizing mission by using the production models, technological innovations and forms of communication currently available and those that willdevelopin the time to come.

Art. 185

The Dicastery, in addition to the expressly operational functions assigned to it, also deepens and develops the properly theological and pastoral aspects of the communicative action of the Church. In this sense, he does his best, even at a training level, to ensure that Communication is not reduced to purely technological and instrumental concepts.

Art. 186

It is the duty of the Dicastery to work to ensure that the faithful are ever more aware of the duty that belongs to each, to commit themselves so that the multiple means of communication are available to the pastoral mission of the Church, at the service of the increase of civilization and customs;he dedicates himself to this awareness especially on the occasion of the celebration of the World Communications Day.

Art. 187

For his businessthe Dicastery makes use of the connectivity and network infrastructures of the Vatican City State, in accordance with the specific legislation and the international commitments undertaken by the Holy See. In carrying out its functions it acts in collaboration with the competent curial institutions on the subject and in particular with the Secretariat of State.

Art. 188

It is up to the Dicastery to support the other Curial Institutions and Offices, Institutions connected with the Holy See,the Governorate of the Vatican City State and the other Bodies that have their headquarters in the Vatican City State, or that depend on the Apostolic See, in their communication activities.

YOU

BODIES OF JUSTICE

Art. 189

§ 1. The service of the Bodies of Justice is one of the essential functions in the governance of the Church. The objective of this service, pursued by each of the Bodies for the forum of its own competence, is that of the Church’s own mission:announce and inauguratethe Kingdom of God and to work, through the order of justice applied with canonical equity, for the salvation of souls, which in the Church is always the supreme law.

§ 2. The following are ordinary bodies of justice: the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura and the Tribunal of the Roman Rota. The three Organisms are independent of each other.

Apostolic Penitentiary

Art. 190

§ 1. The Apostolic Penitentiary has jurisdiction over everything concerning the internal forum and indulgences as expressions of divine mercy.

§ 2. It is governed by the Major Penitentiary, assisted by the Regent, to whomthere are some Officials.

Art. 191

For the internal forum, whether sacramental or non-sacramental, it grants absolution from censures, dispensations, commutations, sanctions, amnesties and other graces.

Art. 192

§ 1. The Apostolic Penitentiary ensures that in the Papal Basilicas of Rome there be a sufficient number of Penitentiaries, endowed with the appropriate faculties.

§ 2. He supervises the correct formation of the Penitentiaries appointed in the Papal Basilicas and of those appointed elsewhere.

Art. 193

The Apostolic Penitentiary is responsible for the granting and use of Indulgences, without prejudice to the competences of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith forthe examination of everything concerning the doctrineand of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in the ritual field.

Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura

Art. 194

The Apostolic Signatura exercises the function of Supreme Tribunal of the Church and also provides for the right administration of justice in the Church.

Art. 195

§ 1. The Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura is made up of Cardinals, Bishops and presbyters appointed by the Roman Pontiff for five years and is presided over by the Cardinal Prefect.

§ 2. The Prefect is assisted by a Secretary in handling the affairs of the Tribunal.

 

Art. 196

The Apostolic Signatura, as a Tribunal of ordinary jurisdiction, judges:

1. complaints of nullity and requests for restitutio in integrum against the Sentences of the Roman Rota;

2. appeals, in cases concerning the state of persons, against the denial of a new examination of the case decided by the Roman Rota;

3. the exceptions of suspicion and other causes against the judges of the Roman Rota for acts placed in the exercise of their function;

4. conflicts of jurisdiction between Courts, which do not depend on the same Court of Appeal.

Art. 197

§ 1. The Apostolic Signatura, as the Administrative Tribunal for the Roman Curia, judges appeals against singular administrative acts, whether placed by the Dicasteries and the Secretariat of State or approved by them, whenever it is discussed whether the contested act has violated some law, in deliberating or proceeding.

§ 2. In these cases, in addition to judging the violation of the law, the Apostolic Signatura can also judge, if the applicant so requests, about the reparation of any damage caused by the act in question.

§ 3. It also judges other administrative disputes, which are referred to it by the Roman Pontiff or by the Curial Institutions. Finally, it judges conflicts of competence which have arisen between the Departments and between them and the Secretariat of State.

Art. 198

The Apostolic Signatura, as an administrative body of justice in disciplinary matters, is also responsible for:

1. to supervise the correct administration of justice in the various ecclesiastical courts and take measures, if necessary, against ministers, lawyers or procurators;

2. to judge the petitions addressed to the Apostolic See to obtain the referral of the case to the Roman Rota;

3. to judge any request relating to the administration of justice;

4. extend the jurisdiction of lower courts;

5. to grant the approval of the Court of Appeal, as well as, if reserved to the Holy See, the approval of the erection of interdiocesan / intereparchial / inter-ritual, regional, national and, if necessary, supranational tribunals.

Art. 199

The Apostolic Signatura is governed by its own law.

Tribunal of the Roman Rota

Art. 200

§ 1. The Tribunal of the Roman Rota ordinarily functions as a higher instance in the degree of appeal to the Apostolic See to protect rights in the Church; provides for the unity of jurisprudence and, through its own sentences, helps lower courts.

§ 2. The Office of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota is constituted which is responsible for judging the fact of the non-consummation of marriage and the existence of a just cause for granting the dispensation.

§ 3. This office is also competent to deal with causes of nullity of sacred ordination, according to the norm of universal and proper law, according to the different cases.

Art. 201

§ 1. The Tribunal has a collegial structure and is made up of a certain number of judges, endowed with proven doctrine, competence and experience, chosen by the Roman Pontiff from various parts of the world.

§ 2. The Dean, who is appointed for five years by the Roman Pontiff, who chooses him from among the same judges , presides over the college of the Tribunal as primus inter pares .

§ 3. The office for procedures for dispensing with ratified and unconsummated marriage and for causes of nullity of sacred ordination is moderated by the Dean, assisted by his own officials, deputy commissioners and consultors.

Art. 202

§ 1. The Tribunal of the Roman Rota judges in second instance, the cases judged by the ordinary courts of first instance and referred to the Holy See by legitimate appeal.

§ 2. It judges in third or further instance cases already treated by the same Apostolic Tribunal and by any other Tribunal, unless they have become res judicata.

Art. 203

§ 1. The Roman Rota also judges in the first instance:

1. Bishops in contentious cases, provided that they are not dealing with the rights or temporal goods of a juridical person represented by the Bishop;

2. the primate abbots, or the superior abbots of monastic congregations and the supreme moderators of the institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life of pontifical right;

3. Dioceses / Eparchies or other ecclesiastical persons, both physical and juridical, which do not have a Superior below the Roman Pontiff;

4. the causes that the Roman Pontiff has entrusted to the same Tribunal.

§ 2. It judges the same causes also in second and further instances, unless otherwise provided.

Art. 204

The Tribunal of the Roman Rota is governed by its own law.

VII

ECONOMIC BODIES

Economy Council

Art. 205

§ 1. The Council for the Economy is responsible for supervising structures and activitiesadministrative and financial of theCurial Institutions and Offices,of the Institutions connected with the Holy See or referring to it indicated in the list attached to their Statute.

§ 2. The Council for the Economy exercises its functions in the light of the social doctrine of the Church by adhering to the best practices recognized internationally in matters of public administration, with the aim of ethical and efficient administrative and financial management.

Art. 206

§ 1. The Council is made up of eight Cardinals or Bishops, who represent the universality of the Church, and seven lay people, chosen from among experts of various nationalities. The fifteen members are appointed for five years by the Roman Pontiff.

§ 2. The Council is convened and presided over by the Cardinal Coordinator, assisted by a Secretary.

§ 3. The Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy participates in the meetings of the Council without the right to vote.

Art. 207

The Council submits for the approval of the Roman Pontiff guidelines and norms aimed at ensuring that:

1. the assets of the Bodies and Administrations subject to its supervision are protected;

2. Risks are reducedequity and financial;

3. human resources,material and financial assets are assigned in a rational manner and managed with prudence, efficiency and transparency;

4. the Bodies and Administrations carry out their duties efficiently, according to the activities, programs and budgets approved for them.

Art. 208

The Board establishes the criteria, including that of the value, to determine which acts of alienation, purchase or extraordinary administrationcarried out by the bodies it supervises require, ad validitatem , the approval of the Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy.

Art. 209

§ 1. The Council approves the annual budget and the consolidated financial statements of the Holy See and submits them to the Roman Pontiff.

§ 2. During the vacant See, the Council for the Economy provides the Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church with the most recent consolidated balance sheets of the Holy See and the budget for the current year.

Art. 210

The Board, when necessary and in compliance with its operational autonomy, requests from the Supervisory and Financial Information Authority information relevant to the activities it carries out and is informed annually about the activities of the Institute for Works of Religion.

Art. 211

The Council examines the proposals made by the Secretariat for the Economy, as well as any suggestions presented by the various Administrations of the Holy See, by the Supervisory and Financial Information Authority and other bodies indicated in their own Statutes.

Secretariat for the economy

Art. 212

§ 1. The Secretariat for the Economy carries out the function of the Papal Secretariat for economic and financial matters.

§ 2. It exercises control and supervision in administrative, economic and financial matters over the Curial Institutions, the Officesand the Institutions connected with the Holy See or referring to it indicated in the list attached to the Statute of the Council for the Economy.

§ 3. It also exercises a specific control over the Pence of St. Peter and over the other papal funds.

Art. 213

§ 1. The Secretariat for the Economy is presided over by a Prefect, assisted by a Secretary.

§ 2. The Body is divided into two functional Areas: onefor regulation, control and supervision in economic and financial matters, the other for regulation, control and supervision in administrative matters.

Art. 214

§ 1.The Secretariat for the Economy must consult the Council for the Economy and submit for its examination the proposals and guidelines concerning regulations on matters of greater importance or pertaining to general principles.

§ 2. During theelaboration of proposals or guidelines, the Secretariat for the Economy carries out the appropriate consultations, taking into due account the autonomy and competences of the Bodies and Administrations.

§ 3. For matters pertaining to relations with States and with other subjects of international law, the Secretariat for the Economy acts in collaboration with the Secretariat of State, which has exclusive competence.

Art. 215

The Secretariat for the Economy:

1. issues guidelines on economic and financial matters for the Holy See and checks that the activities are carried out in compliance with the operational plans and approved programs;

2. monitors the administrative, economic and financial activities of the institutions entrusted to its control and supervision; proposes and ensures any corrective actions;

3. prepares the annual budget, then checks that it is respected, and the consolidated balance sheet of the Holy See and submits them to the Council for the Economy;

4. carries out the annual risk assessment of the patrimonial and financial situation of the Holy See and submits it to the Council for the Economy.

Art. 216

The Secretariat for the Economy:

1. formulates guidelines, guidelines, models and procedures on procurement, aimed at ensuring that all goods and services required by the Curial Institutions and Offices andInstitutions connected with the Holy See or referring to it are acquired in the most prudent, efficient and economically advantageous way, in accordance with appropriate internal audits and procedures;

2. prepares appropriate IT tools that make administrative, economic and financial management effective and transparent and ensure that the archives and accounts are kept faithfully, in compliance with the approved rules and procedures.

Art. 217

§ 1. The Human Resources Directorate of the Holy See is established in the Secretariat for the Economy, which provides, in dialogue and cooperation with the interested Bodies,to everything concerning the position and working management of personnel and collaborators of the Entities subject to the legislation of the Holy See, without prejudice to the provisions of art. 48, 2nd.

§ 2. Among other competences, through this Direction, the Secretariat for the Economy authorizes the recruitments, verifying all the requisites, and approves the organic tables of the Bodies.

Art. 218

§ 1. The Secretariat for the Economy approves any act of alienation, purchase or extraordinary administration carried out by the Curial Institutions and by the Offices and Institutions connected with the Holy See or which refer to it, for which its approval ad validitatem is required , according to the criteria determined by the Council for the economy.

§ 2. During the vacant See, the Secretariatfor the economy, it provides the Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church with all the information that will be requested about the economic status of the Holy See.

Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See

Art. 219

§ 1. The Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See is the body responsible for the administration and management of the real estate and movable assets of the Holy See intended to provide the resources necessary for the fulfillment of the proper function of the Roman Curia for the good and service of particular Churches.

§ 2. It is responsible for administering the real estate and movable assets of the Bodies that have entrusted their assets to the Holy See, in compliance with the specific purpose for which the assets were established and with the general guidelines and policies approved by the competent Bodies.

§ 3. The execution of the financial transactions referred to in §§ 1 and 2 takes place through the instrumental activity of the Institute for Works of Religion.

Art. 220

§ 1. The Administrationof the Patrimony of the Apostolic See provides what is necessary for the ordinary activity of the Roman Curia, taking care of the treasury, accounting, purchases and other services.

§ 2. The Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See can perform the same services mentioned in § 1 also for Institutions connected with the Holy See or which refer to it if they request it, or if so disposed.

Art. 221

§ 1. The Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See is presided over by a President. He is assisted by a Secretary and by a Council, made up of Cardinals, Bishops, priests and lay people, which helps him in the elaboration of the strategic guidelines of the Entity and in the evaluation of its achievements.

§ 2. The internal organization of the Body is divided into three functional areas, which deal with property management, financial affairs and services.

§ 3. The Body avails itself of the advice of experts in the areas of competence,appointed pursuant to art. 16 – 17 § 1.

Office of the Auditor General

Art. 222

The Auditor General’s Office is entrusted with the task of auditing the consolidated financial statements of the Holy See.

Art. 223

§ 1. According to the annual audit program approved by the Council for the Economy, the Office has the task of auditing the annual financial statements of the individual Curial Institutions and Offices, of the Institutions connected with the Holy See or which refer to it, which converge in the aforementioned consolidated financial statements.

§ 2. The annual revision program is communicated by the Auditor General to the Economic Council for its approval.

Art. 224

§ 1. The Office of the Auditor General at the request of the Council for the Economy, or the Secretariat for the Economy, or the Heads of the Bodies and Administrations referred to in art. 205 § 1, carries out reviews on particular situations connected to: anomalies in the use or allocation of financial or material resources; irregularities in the granting of contracts or in the performance of transactions or disposals; acts of corruption or fraud. The same reviews can be startedautonomously by the General Auditor who informs the Cardinal Coordinator of the Council for the economy in advance, giving the reasons.

§ 2. The Revisor General receives from people who are aware of itby reason of the exercise of their functions, reports on particular situations. Having examined the reports, he presents them with a report to the Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy and, if he deems it necessary, also to the Cardinal Coordinator of the Council for the Economy.

Reserved Matters Commission

Art. 225

The Commission for Reserved Matters is responsible for:

1. to authorize any legal, economic or financial act which for the greater good of the Church or of persons must be covered by secrecy and removed from the control and supervision of the competent bodies;

2. check the contracts of the Holy See which according to the law require confidentiality and supervise them.

Art. 226

The Commission, according to its own Statute, is made up of some Members appointed for five years by the Roman Pontiff. It is chaired by a President, assisted by a Secretary.

Investment Committee

Art. 227

§ 1. The Investment Committee, an advisory body, is responsible for guaranteeing the ethical nature of the Holy See’s investments in accordance with the Church’s social doctrine and, at the same time, their profitability, adequacy and riskiness.

§ 2. The Committee is composed,according to its Statute, by Members and by high profile Professionals appointedfor five years by the Roman Pontiff. It is chaired by a President, assisted by a Secretary.

VIII

OFFICES

Prefecture of the Papal Household

Art. 228

§ 1. The Prefecture deals with the internal order relating to the Papal Household and directs, as regards discipline and service, all those who make up the Chapel and the Pontifical Family.

§ 2. It is led by a Prefect, assisted by the Regent, appointed for five years by the Roman Pontiff, flanked by some Officials.

Art. 229

§ 1. The Prefecture of the Papal Household oversees the organization and conduct of pontifical ceremonies, excluding the strictly liturgical part, and establishes the order of precedence.

§ 2. It is his duty to order the antechamber service and to arrange public, special and private audiences of the Roman Pontiff and the visits of persons, consulting, whenever circumstances require, with the Secretariat of State. He prepares all that must be done when the Heads of State, Heads of Government, Ministers of States, Public Authorities and other eminent personalities, as well as Ambassadors, are received in solemn audience by the Pontiff himself.

§ 3. It deals with what refers to the Spiritual Exercises of the Roman Pontiff, the College of Cardinals and the Roman Curia.

Art. 230

§ 1. It is for the Prefecture to make preparations whenever the Roman Pontiff visits the Vatican territory, Rome or travels to Italy.

§ 2. The Prefect assists him only on the occasion of meetings and visits to the Vatican territory.

Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff

Art. 231

§ 1. It belongs to the Officeof the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff to prepare all that is necessary for the liturgical celebrations and other sacred celebrations in the Vatican in which the Roman Pontiff presides, participates or assists, or – in his name or by his mandate – a Cardinal or a Prelate, and direct them in accordance with the prescriptions in force in the liturgical sphere, preparing all that is necessary or useful for their worthy development and for the active participation of the faithful.

§ 2. The Office also takes care of the preparation and development of all pontifical liturgical celebrations which take place during the pastoral visits of the Roman Pontiff on apostolic journeys, bearing in mind the peculiarities of papal celebrations.

Art. 232

§ 1. The Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, appointed for five years by the Roman Pontiff, is in charge of the Office. The Papal Master of Ceremonies, appointed for five years by the Roman Pontiff, assist him in the sacred celebrations.

§ 2. Various Officials and Consultors work alongside the Master in the Office.

Art. 233

§ 1. The Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations is also responsible for the Pontifical Sacristy and the Chapels of the Apostolic Palace.

§ 2. He is also responsible forPontifical Music Chapel, with the task of guiding all the liturgical, pastoral, spiritual, artistic and educational activities and areas of the same Chapel, inserted in the Office as a specific place of service to the papal liturgical functions and at the same time as custody and promotion of the prestigious artistic-musical heritage produced over the centuries by the Chapel itself for the solemn liturgies of the Popes.

Art. 234

The celebration of the Consistory and the direction of the liturgical celebrations of the College of Cardinals during the vacant See fall within the competence of the Office.

Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church

Art. 235

§ 1. The Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church carries out the functions assigned to him by the special law relating to the vacant Apostolic See and the election of the Roman Pontiff.

§ 2. The Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church and the Vice Camerlengo are appointed by the Roman Pontiff.

§ 3. In carrying out the assigned offices, the Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church is assisted, under his authority and responsibility, by three Cardinal Assistants, one of whom is the Cardinal Coordinator of the Council for the Economy and the other two are identified according to the modalities provided for by the legislation regarding the vacancy of the Apostolic See and the election of the Roman Pontiff.

Art. 236

The task of looking after and administering the goods and temporal rights of the Apostolic See during the time it is vacant is entrustedto the Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. If he is prevented, the function will be assumed by the Deputy Camerlengo.

Art. 237

When the Apostolic See is vacant, it is the right and duty of the Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church:

1. to request from all administrations dependent on the Holy See the reports on their balance sheet and income statement, as well as information on extraordinary affairs, which are in progress;

2. to ask the Council for the Economy for the budget and consolidated financial statements from the Holy See for the previous year, as well as the budget for the following year;

3. to ask the Secretariat for the Economy for any information on the economic state of the Holy See to the extent necessary.

IX

LAWYERS

Register of Lawyers at the Roman Curia

Art. 238

In addition to the Register of Lawyers of the Roman Rota, there is a Register of Lawyers, authorized to assume, at the request of the persons concerned, the patronage of cases at the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura and also to lend their work in hierarchical appeals before the Institutions. curial.

Art. 239

§ 1. Those Professionals who are distinguished by adequate preparation, proven by academic degrees, by example of Christian life, by honesty of morals and by professional ability can be enrolled in this Register.

§ 2. The Secretary of State,after hearing a Commission established for this purpose, it proceeds to enroll in the Register of Professionals in possession of the requisites referred to in § 1 who have made an adequate request. If these requirements are lacking, they are forfeited from the Register.

Body of Lawyers of the Holy See

Art. 240

§ 1. The Body of Lawyers of the Holy See is made up preferably of those enrolled in the Register of Lawyers at the Roman Curia. They will be able to take on the patronage of causes, in the name of the Holy See or of the curial institutions, before both ecclesiastical and civil courts.

§ 2. The Advocates of the Holy See are appointed for a renewable five-year term by the Secretary of State, having heard the Commission referred to in article 239 § 2; they cease from office when they reach the age of seventy-five and, for serious reasons, can be revoked.

§ 3. The Advocates of the Holy See are bound to lead an integral and exemplary Christian life and to carry out the tasks entrusted to them with the utmost conscience and for the good of the Church.

X

INSTITUTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOLY SEE

Art. 241

There are some Institutes, both of ancient origin and of new constitution, which, although not properly part of the Roman Curia and having their own juridical personality, nevertheless provide various services necessary or useful to the Roman Pontiff himself, to the Roman Curia and to the universal Church and in some way they are connected with the Curia itself.

Art. 242

The Vatican Apostolic Archive is the Institute that carries out its specific activity of custody and enhancement of the acts and documents concerning the government of the universal Church, so that they are first of all available to the Holy See and the Roman Curia in the fulfillment of their activities and secondly, by pontifical concession, they can represent for all scholars, without distinction of country and religion, sources for knowledge, even profane, of the events that over time have been closely connected with the life of the Church.

Art. 243

An institute of ancient origin, the Vatican Apostolic Library is an outstanding instrument of the Church for the development and dissemination of culture, in support of the activity of the Apostolic See. It has the task, through its various sections, of collecting and preserving a very rich heritage of science and art and of making it available to scholars who seek the truth.

Art. 244

The Fabbrica di San Pietro deals with everything regarding the Papal Basilica of St. Peter, which houses the memory of the martyrdom and the tomb of the Apostle, both for the conservation and decoration of the building, and for the internal discipline of the custodians and of pilgrims and visitors, according to their own rules. In necessary cases, the President and the Secretary of the Fabbrica act in agreement with the Chapter of the same Basilica.

Art. 245

The Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology has the task of studying, conserving, protecting and enhancing the Christian catacombs of Italy, in which the testimonies of faith and art of the first Christian communities continue to transmit their profound message to pilgrims and visitors.

Art. 246

For the research and dissemination of truth in the various sectors of divine and human science, various Academies have arisen within the Catholic Church, among which the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and the Pontifical Academy for Life stand out. .

Art. 247

In order to promote and developa quality culture within the academic institutions directly dependent on the Holy Seeand to ensure their quality criteria valid at international level, the Agency of the Holy See for the Evaluation and Promotion of the Quality of Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties is established.

Art. 248

The Financial Supervisory and Information Authority is the Institution which, in the ways provided for by law and its Articles of Association, carries out the following functions: subjects under its supervision;prudential supervision of entities that professionally carry out financial activities; prudential regulation of Bodies that professionally carry out financial activities and, in the cases provided for by law, regarding the prevention and contrast of money laundering and terrorist financing. In this capacity, it also carries out the financial information function.

Art. 249

All the institutions connected with the Holy See indicated above are governed by their own laws as regards the constitution and administration.

XI

TRANSITIONAL STANDARD

Art. 250

§ 1. The general provisions of the norms of this Apostolic Constitution apply to the Secretariat of State, Dicasteries, Bodies, Offices and Institutions both belonging to the Roman Curia and connected with the Holy See. Those who also have their own Statutes and Laws should observe them only insofar as they do not oppose the present Apostolic Constitution, proposing as soon as possible its adaptation to the approval of the Roman Pontiff.

§ 2. The executive norms currently in force for the subjects referred to in § 1, as well as the „General Regulations of the Roman Curia“, the Ordo servandus and the modus procedendi internal to the Curial Institutions and Offices, are to be observed in everything that is not contrary to the norms of the present Apostolic Constitution until the approval of the new Ordo servandus and the Statutes.

§ 3. With the entry into force of this Apostolic Constitution, the Constitution Pastor bonus is completely abrogated and replaced and, with it, the Bodies of the Roman Curia indicated in it and no longer envisaged or reorganized in this Constitution are also abolished.

I establish that the present Apostolic Constitution is, now and in the future, stable, valid and effective, perfectly achieves its effects starting from June 5, 2022, Solemnity of Pentecost, and that full observance of it is taken care of, in all details, by those to whom it is directed, for the present and for the future, despite any circumstance to the contrary, even if it deserves very special mention.

Given in Rome, at Saint Peter’s, on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on March 19, 2022, the tenth of my Pontificate.

Francis

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[1] JOHN PAUL II, Encyclical letter Redemptoris missio , 2.

[2]FRANCIS, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium , 24.

[3] Cfibidem , 30.

[4]FRANCIS, Encyclical Letter Lumen fidei , 4.

[5] CfVATICAN II ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, Decree Christus Dominus , 9 ff.

[6]JOHN PAUL II, Apostolic Exhortation Christifideles laici , 32.

[7] FRANCIS, Address on the occasion of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Synod of Bishops (17 October 2015).

[8]JOHN PAUL II, Apostolic Exhortation Christifideles laici , 32.

[9] Cf. VATICAN ECUMENICAL COUNCIL II, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium , 19.

[10] Cf. ibidem , 20.

[11] Cf. ibidem , 8.

[12] Cf. ibidem , 22; cf. JOHN PAUL II, Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Gregis , 8, 55, 56.

[13] Ibid , 23.

[14] CfVATICAN ECUMENICAL COUNCIL II, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium , 18 and VATICAN ECUMENICAL COUNCIL I, Dogmatic Constitution Pastor aeternus , Preamble.

[15]Cf.ibidem , 23 .

[16]Cf. JOHN PAUL II, Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Gregis , 63.

[17]Cf.ibidem , 63 .

[18] Cf. JOHN PAUL II, Apostolic Letter Motu proprioApostolos suos , 12.

[19]VATICAN II ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium , 30.

[20]FRANCIS, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium , 120.

[21]See VATICAN ECUMENICAL COUNCIL II, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium , 30.

[22] PAUL VI, Allocution for the last public session of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council (7 December 1965).

[23] FRANCIS, Greeting addressed to the Cardinals gathered for the Consistory (February 12, 2015).

[24] VATICAN ECUMENICAL COUNCIL II, Decree Christus Dominus , 9.

[25]VATICAN II ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium , 18.

[26] Ibidem , 23.

[27] Cf FRANCIS, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium , 16.

[28] CfVATICAN II ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, Dogmatic Constitution Dei verbum , 7.

[29] Cf. FRANCIS, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium , 31-32.

[30] CfVATICAN II ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium , 8.

[31] PAUL VI, Epilogue of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Homily on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (8 December 1965).

[00404-EN.01] [Original text: Italian]