DECRETALS Meaning and
Definition
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Decretals are a collection of ecclesiastical laws and decrees issued by the Pope or a bishop to govern the practices and administration of the Catholic Church. Derived from the Latin term "decretum," meaning a formal decree or decision, decretals have played a significant role in shaping the doctrine and discipline within the Church.
These documents are typically organized into a systematic collection known as a decretal or decretal collection. The most famous decretal collection is the "Liber Extra" or "Decretales Gregorii IX," compiled under the authority of Pope Gregory IX in the 13th century. This comprehensive compilation served as a principal source of canonical law in the Western Church until it was superseded by the 1917 Code of Canon Law.
Decretals cover a wide range of topics, including matters related to ecclesiastical hierarchy, sacraments, marriage, religious orders, morals, and legal procedures. They often address issues of religious doctrine, disciplinary measures, and internal governance.
Due to their authoritative nature, decretals have been used as a guide for resolving disputes, establishing Church policies, and instructing clergy on their obligations. They have also influenced the development of legal systems in regions influenced by Canon Law.
In summary, decretals are official documents containing the laws and rulings of the Pope or bishops, creating a framework for the ecclesiastical governance and organization of the Catholic Church. These texts serve as an essential reference for understanding the historical and legal aspects of Canon Law.
Common Misspellings for DECRETALS
- secretals
- xecretals
- cecretals
- fecretals
- recretals
- eecretals
- dwcretals
- dscretals
- ddcretals
- drcretals
- d4cretals
- d3cretals
- dexretals
- devretals
- defretals
- dedretals
- deceetals
- decdetals
- decfetals
- dectetals
Etymology of DECRETALS
The word "decretals" comes from the Latin word "decretalis", which is derived from the Latin verb "decernere". "Decernere" means "to decide" or "to determine". In the context of canon law, "decretals" refer to authoritative decisions or decrees issued by the Pope or other ecclesiastical authorities. The term gradually developed in medieval canon law to specifically refer to a collection of papal decrees that formed an important part of the canon law system.
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