Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) is the oldest of the nine congregations of the Roman Curia. Among the most active of the major Curial institutions, it oversees the Roman Catholic Church doctrine. It was historically related to the Inquisition.

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Role

According to Article 48 of the Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia, Pastor Bonus, promulgated by Pope John Paul II on June 28, 1988: "the duty proper to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is to promote and safeguard the doctrine on the faith and morals throughout the Catholic world: for this reason everything which in any way touches such matter falls within its competence."

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History

On July 21, 1542 Pope Paul III, with the Constitution Licet ab initio, established the Sacred Congregation of the Universal Inquisition, staffed with cardinals and other officials whose task it was "to maintain and defend the integrity of the faith and to examine and proscribe errors and false doctrines".

This body was renamed Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office in 1908 by Pope Pius X. It was changed again to its present name on December 7, 1965, at the end of the Second Vatican Council. It has become the supervisory body of local Roman Inquisitions.

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Organisation

The Pope himself held the title of prefect until 1968 but never exercised this office. Instead, he appointed one of the cardinals to preside over the meetings, first as Secretary, then as Pro-Prefect.

Since 1968, the Cardinal head of the dicastery has borne the title of full Prefect. There are usually ten other cardinals on the Congregation, as well as a prelate and two assistants, all chosen from the Dominican Order.

The work of the Congregation is divided into four sections: the doctrinal office, the disciplinary office, the matrimonial office and that for priests. The Congregation holds plenary assemblies annually.

Members (2002):