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The Roman Curia are the various departments of the Vatican. Called "dicasteries", the curial offices are the papal staff, and are responsible for much of the administration of the church at the international level. The documents included here are selected for their relevance to contemporary church issues, particularly Christian unity, inter-religious dialogue, justice, and peace. The documents are listed according to the originating dicastery (department).

Congregation for Catholic Education
Congrégation pour l'education catholique

• The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium
  (December 28, 1997)
• Educational Guidance in Human Love
  (November 1, 1983)
• The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School
  (April 7, 1988)

Congregation for the Clergy
Congrégation pour le clergé

• Directory for the ministry and life of permanent deacons
  (March 31, 1998)
• Directory on the ministry and life of priests
  (January 31, 1994)
• General Directory for Catechesis
  (April 17, 1998)
• General Directory for the Pastoral Ministry to Tourism
  (April 29, 1969)
• see also, a special website for the Congregation for the Clergy. Available in English, French, Italian, Spanish and German this website is an official site of the Congregation for Clergy. It contains various information about the Congregation. Of particular interest is a series of televised teleconferences that can be viewed online. Full text of the conference proceedings are also included. Subjects have included: Christology; Ecclesiology; Eschatology; Sacramental Theology I, II & III; Trinitarian theology; Moral Theology; Mariology; Pneumatology; Liturgy; and Church and Women.

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Congrégation pour la doctrine de la foi

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is the curial department responsible for theological orthodoxy. It is the successor to the "Holy Office" and the Roman Inquisition. The Congregation has three sub-commissions: the International Theological Commission, the Pontifical Biblical Commission, and the Interdicasterial Commission for the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The most recent prefect of the Congregation was Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI.

• Ardens felicitatis
  (Instruction on prayers for healing, September 14, 2000) [English, French, German, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Christ, faith and the challenge of cultures
  by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger to the Asian bishops' conferences, March 2-5, 1993
• Conscience and Truth
  by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, presented at the 10th Workshop for Bishops, February 1991, Dallas, Texas
• Considérations à propos des projets de reconnaissance juridique des unions entre personnes homosexuelles
  (31 juillet 2003) [Allemand, Anglais, Espagnol, Français, Italien, Polonais, Portugais]
• Considerations regarding proposals to give legal recognition to unions between homosexual persons
  (July 31, 2003) [English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Declaration on Certain Questions Concerning Sexual Ethics
  (December 29, 1975) [English, Italian]
• Declaration on Masonic Associations
  (November 26, 1983) [English, French, German, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Declaration on Procured Abortion
  (November 18, 1974) [English, Spanish]
• Decree on Euthanasia
  (March 5, 1980)
• Dominus Iesus: on the unicity and salvific universality of Jesus Christ and the Church
  (August 6, 2000) [cachecache]
  • See also the accompanying Note on the expression "sister churches"
    (June 30, 2000) (archive copy)
  • Responses from ecumenical partners
    • response by the Rt. Rev. George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury (cache copy)
    • Ecumenism is not optional but essential to the Church, response by the Rev. Ismael Noko, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (September 8, 2000)
    • United Church of Canada Response to Vatican Declaration, 'Dominus Iesus'
    • United Church of Canada Response to Vatican Declaration, 'Dominus Iesus' (updated) "Pope declares Catholic commitment to Dialogue "Irrevocable" after Dominus Iesus is addressed by Reformed/Roman Catholic International Dialogue." [from the UCC website]
  • Roman Catholic responses
    • response by Fr. Tissa Balasuriya (Sri Lanka)
    • Edict an 'in-house' document for Catholics (September 19, 2000) The Vatican's controversial Dominus Iesus document risks saying things found in the second Vatican Council but that now need to be reflected upon more seriously, writes Father Brendan Leahy.
    • Problem with Dominus Iesus is one of tone, not substance, Rev. Tom Ryan, CSP in the Prairie Messenger (September 20, 2000)
    • The Impact of Dominus Iesus on Ecumenism, by Francis A. Sullivan, S.J., in America (vol. 183, no. 13, October 28, 2000)
    • Cardinal Ratzinger answers objections to Dominus Iesus. An interview published in L'Osservatore Romano (2001).
• Instruction on Certain Aspects of the "Theology of Liberation";
  (1984)
• Instruction on Christian Freedom and Liberation
  (March 22, 1986)
• Instruction on Respect for Human Life in its Origins and on the Dignity of Procreation
  (February 22, 1987)
• Instruction on some aspects of the use of the instruments of social communication in promoting the doctrine of the faith
  (March 30, 1992) [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Instruction on the ecclesial vocation of the theologian
  (May 24, 1990)
• Inter Insigniores
  Declaration on the Admission of Women to the Ministerial Priesthood (15 October 1976)
• Letter on some aspects of the Church understood as Communion
  (May 28, 1992) [English, French, German, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Letter on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons
  (October 1, 1986)
• Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the collaboration of men and women in the Church and in the world
  (July 31, 2004) [English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish]
  "In recent times, much reflection has been given to the question of the dignity of women and to women's rights and duties in the different areas of civil society and the Church. Having contributed to a deeper understanding of this fundamental question, in particular through the teaching of John Paul II, the Church is called today to address certain currents of thought which are often at variance with the authentic advancement of women. After a brief presentation and critical evaluation of some current conceptions of human nature, this document will offer reflections – inspired by the doctrinal elements of the biblical vision of the human person that are indispensable for safeguarding his or her identity – on some of the essentials of a correct understanding of active collaboration, in recognition of the difference between men and women in the Church and in the world. These reflections are meant as a starting point for further examination in the Church, as well as an impetus for dialogue with all men and women of good will, in a sincere search for the truth and in a common commitment to the development of ever more authentic relationships." (para. 1)
• Lettre aux Évêques de l'Église Catholique sur la collaboration de l'homme et de la femme dans l'Église et dans le monde
  (31 juillet 2004) [Allemand, Anglais, Espagnol, Français, Italien, Polonais, Portugais]
  «Ces derniers temps, on a beaucoup réfléchi sur la dignité de la femme, sur ses droits et ses devoirs dans divers secteurs de la vie sociale et ecclésiale. Ayant contribué à l'approfondissement de ce thème fondamental, en particulier par l'enseignement du Pape Jean-Paul II, l'Église est aujourd'hui interpellée par certains courants de pensée dont bien souvent les thèses ne coïncident pas avec les perspectives authentiques de la promotion de la femme. Après une brève présentation et une évaluation critique de certaines conceptions anthropologiques contemporaines, le présent document entend proposer des réflexions inspirées par les données doctrinales de l'anthropologie biblique — indispensables pour protéger l'identité de la personne humaine — sur certains présupposés d'une conception correcte de la collaboration active de l'homme et de la femme dans l'Église et dans le monde, dans la reconnaissance de leurs différences. D'autre part, ces réflexions entendent être un point de départ d'une démarche d'approfondissement au sein même de l'Église et instaurer un dialogue avec les hommes et les femmes de bonne volonté, dans la recherche sincère de la vérité et en vue d'un engagement commun pour tisser des relations toujours plus authentiques.» (no. 1)
• Memory and Reconciliation: the Church and the faults of the past
  (International Theological Commission, March 7, 2000)
• Norms for the translation of Biblical texts for use in the liturgy (1997)
  "In 1995 the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued "secret norms" to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (of the United States) to guide their revision of the Lectionary used at Mass. Prior to this time the Congregation had rejected two versions of Scripture (the New Revised Standard Version and the Revised New American Bible) for use in the Liturgy, owing to the unacceptable use of inclusive language. These norms remained "secret," even from most bishops, until just prior to the June 1997 meeting of the bishops' conference. This meeting approved, by subsequent mail ballot, a version of the Lectionary agreed upon by a working committee of Vatican officials and US bishops in March 1997. This Lectionary conforms to the previously issued Norms. Having been approved by the entire Conference it will now be sent to Rome for final confirmation." (from the EWTN website)
• Note on the expression "sister churches"
  (June 30, 2000) (archive copy)
• The Primacy of the Successor of Peter in the Mystery of the Church (1998)
• Profession of Faith and the Oath of Fidelity (1989)
• Ratio Agendi
  (Regulations for doctrinal examination, May 30, 1997) [English, French, German, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Responses to questions proposed concerning uterine isolation and related matters
  (July 31, 1993) [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Some Considerations concerning the response to legislative proposals on non-discrimination of homosexual persons (July 22, 1992)
• Question of truth lies at centre of theology
  (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, December 2, 1996)
• The reception of the holy communion by the divorced and remarried members of the faithful (1994)
• Relativism: The central problem for faith today
  (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger at the joint meeting of the Congregation with the presidents of the doctrinal commissions of the bishops' conferences of Latin America, held in Guadalajara, Mexico, in May 1996)

Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
Conseil Pontifical pour la Promotion de l'Unité des Chrétiens

The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity was formed during the preparatory phase of the Second Vatican Council. Established as a "secretariat", it was promoted to "pontifical council" in the late 1980's. The Council includes a "Commission for religious relations with the Jews" while relations with other world religions are lodged in an independent pontifical council. This reflects the importance that the church places on relations with Judaism, and the understanding that our Jewish roots are directly related to the basic ecumenical task. The current president of the pontifical council is Cardinal Walter Kasper.

• Common Christological Declaration between the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East
  (1994) [English, French]
  This declaration reflects the Christological consensus reached in the dialogues between Roman Catholics and various non-Chalcedonian churches. See also the Guidelines for Admission to the Eucharist between the Chaldean Church and the Assyrian Church of the East.
• Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism
  (1993) [English, French]
  • Analytical Index to the Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism
    (Fr. Bernard de Margerie, Saskatoon Centre for Ecumenism, 1993)
  • Dans ces derniers temps
    (Declaration on the celebration of the Eucharist in common by Christians of different confessions, January 7, 1970)
  • In quibus rerum circumstantiis
    (Instruction on admitting other Christians to Eucharistic communion in the Catholic Church, June 1, 1972)
  • Dopo le publicazione
    (Note Interpreting the "Instruction on admitting other Christians to Eucharistic communion in the Catholic Church", October 17, 1973)
• The ecumenical dimension in the formation of those engaged in pastoral work (1995)
• Guidelines for admission to the Eucharist between the Chaldean Church and the Assyrian Church of the East
  (July 20, 2001) [English, French, Italian, Portuguese]
  These guidelines are of particular interest because they represent the first occasion in which the Roman Catholic Church has officially recognised the validity of the Eucharist celebrated with alternative words of institution. The Assyrian Church of the East is a non-Chalcedonian Church. The Chaldean Church is an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with the Holy See.
• Guidelines on religious relations with the Jews
  (Commission for religious relations with the Jews, December 1, 1974)
• Notes on the correct way to present the Jews and Judaism in preaching and catechesis in the Roman Catholic Church
  (Commission for religious relations with the Jews, 1985)
• Peace in the World, Dialogue among Christians and with other Religions
  (January 7, 2002) [English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• We remember: a reflection on the Shoah
  (Commission for religious relations with the Jews, March 16, 1998)

Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue
Conseil Pontifical pour le Dialogue interreligieux

• Christians and Buddhists: Communities of Forgiveness and Compassion (1997)
• Dialogue and Proclamation (1991)
• Jésus-Christ le porteur d'eau vive. Une réflexion chrétienne sur le “Nouvel Âge”
  (2003) [English, Français, Italiano]
  "La présente étude traite du «Nouvel Âge» ou «New Age», un phénomène complexe qui influence maints aspects de la culture contemporaine. Cette étude est un rapport provisoire. Elle est le fruit de la réflexion commune du Groupe de Travail sur les Nouveaux Mouvements Religieux, formé de membres du «staff» de différents dicastères du Saint-Siège: les Conseils Pontificaux de la Culture et pour le Dialogue Interreligieux (qui sont les principaux rédacteurs de ce projet), la Congrégation pour l'Evangélisation des Peuples et le Conseil Pontifical pour la Promotion de l'Unité des Chrétiens."
  
• Jesus Christ the Bearer of the Water of Life. A Christian Reflection on the "New Age"
  (2003) [English, Français, Italiano]
  "The present study is concerned with the complex phenomenon of “New Age” which is influencing many aspects of contemporary culture. The study is a provisional report. It is the fruit of the common reflection of the Working Group on New Religious Movements, composed of staff members of different dicasteries of the Holy See: the Pontifical Councils for Culture and for Interreligious Dialogue (which are the principal redactors for this project), the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity."
• The Spirituality of Interreligious Dialogue
  (1999) [English, French, Italian, Spanish]
• Pastoral attention to traditional religions
  (1993) [English, French]

Pontifical Council for the Family
Conseil Pontifical pour la Famille

• Charter of the Rights of the Family
  (October 22, 1983) [English, French, Italian, Spanish]
• Conclusions of a Vatican conference on the Family and Integration of the Disabled
  (March 4, 2000) [English, German]
• Declaration of Buenos Aires
  (August 5, 1999) [English, French, Italian, Spanish]
• Declaration on the Decrease of Fertility in the World
  (February 27, 1998) [French, Italian, Spanish, English]
• Declaration regarding "Embryonic Reduction"
  [English, French, Italian, Spanish]
• Declaration regarding the Resolution of the European Parliament dated March 16, 2000, making de facto unions, including same sex unions, equal to the family
  [English, French, Italian, Spanish]
• The Family and Human Rights
  (December 9, 1999) [English, French, Italian, Spanish]
• Family, Marriage and "De facto Unions"
  (November 21, 2000) [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage
  (1996) [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality
  (November 21, 1995) [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Vademecum for confessors concerning some aspects of the morality of conjugal life
  (1997)

Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace
Conseil Pontifical "Justice et Paix"

• Contribution to World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance
  (August 9, 2001) [English , German, Italian, Spanish]
• Towards a better distribution of land: The Challenge of Agrarian Reform
  (1997) [English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Trade, development and the fight against poverty
  (November 18, 1999) Reflections on the "Millenium Round" of the World Trade Organization. [English, Italian]

Pontifical Council for the Laity
Conseil Pontifical pour les Laïcs

• The Dignity of Older People and their Mission in the Church and in the World
  (1998) [English, French, Italian, Spanish]
• Instruction on Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Non-ordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of Priests
  (1997) This document was prepared and signed by 6 curial departments. [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]

Pontifical Council for Social Communications
Conseil Pontifical pour les Communications Sociales

• Aetatis Novae
  (Pastoral instruction on social communications, February 22, 1992) [English, Italian, Spanish]
• The Church and Internet
  (February 28, 2002) [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Communio et Progressio
  (Pastoral instruction on the means of social communication, May 23, 1971) [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Criteria for ecumenical and inter-religious cooperation in communications
  (October 4, 1989) [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Ethics in Advertising
  (February 22, 1997) [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Ethics in Communications
  (June 2, 2000) [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Ethics in Internet
  (February 28, 2002) [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]
• Guide to the training of future priests concerning the instruments of social communications
  (March 19, 1986) [English, French, German, Italian, Spanish]
• Pornography and violence in the communications media: a pastoral response
  (May 7, 1989) [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]

Other curial documents
Les autres documents curiales

• The interpretation of the Bible in the Church
  (Pontifical Biblical Commission, March 18, 1994)
• Catechism of the Catholic Church
• Charter of the Rights of the Family
  (The Holy See, October 22, 1983)
• Code of Canon Law
• The Eucharist and freedom
  (Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses, November 13, 1996)
• The General Instruction on the Roman Missal
  (Congregation for Divine Worship)
• Jubilee Charter of Rights of Displaced People
  (Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, 2000) [English, French, Italian, Spanish]
• Letter on the Novus Ordo Missae
  (Cardinal Ottaviani to Paul VI, Rome, September 25th, 1969) This document is an extremely critical assessment of the new Roman liturgy. Cardinal Ottaviani was considered to be a leader in the conservative camp at Vatican II.
• The martyr as figure of Christian humanism
  (Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, November 3, 1999)
• Towards a pastoral approach to culture
  (Pontifical Council for Culture, May 23, 1999)
• World Hunger — A Challenge for All: Development in Solidarity
  (Pontifical Council "Cor Unum", October 24, 1996)

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