Competences of the Pontifical Council For Legislative Texts

Abstract

The paper discusses the problem of the competences of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts.

At the beginning, the author shows the meaning of ‘competence’ – both in general and in law – as an authorization and particular conduct. Then, there are shown four competences of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts according to the apostolic Constitution Pastor bonus. Its main function is to interpret the laws of the Church. The Council publishes authentic interpretations which are confirmed by pontifical authority. Secondly, the Council assists the Roman dicasteries to ensure that general executory decrees and instructions are in conformity with the prescriptions of the law. Thirdly, the Pontifical Council determines whether particular laws and general decrees are in agreement or not with the universal laws of the Church. The last competence of the Pontifical Council – juridical one – is to determine at the request of those interested whether particular law is in agreement with the universal law of the Church.