Its mission is to assist the Pope and the Bishops “in the proclamation of the Gospel throughout the world, promoting and safeguarding the integrity of Catholic doctrine on faith and morals, drawing on the deposit of faith.”

Today, the task of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is primarily to work “to deepen the understanding of the faith so as to avoid not only errors, but also certain decisions that ‘quench’ the Spirit, because, although formally correct, they can undermine the richness of the faith.” With these words, the Prefect, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, illustrates the mission of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which, in its structure, also includes three secretaries: Archbishop Armando Matteo, Archbishop John Joseph Kennedy, and Archbishop Charles Jude Scicluna.

History

The pastors of the Church have the duty to safeguard intact the deposit of faith entrusted to them by Christ. To fulfill this task, Popes throughout history have employed various instruments, and several Dicasteries have been established to facilitate the governance of the Church. It is within this context that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith originated. Its origins date back to 1542, when Paul III instituted a Commission of six Cardinals tasked with overseeing matters of faith. Known as the “Holy Roman and Universal Inquisition,” it initially functioned solely as a tribunal for cases of heresy and schism. From 1555 onward, Paul IV significantly broadened its scope of action, making it competent to judge moral issues of various kinds as well. Over the centuries, major changes, including those within the history of the Church, have led to profound transformations. The present time is no longer that of the Inquisition; the Index no longer exists. With the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium, Francis modified the name and internal structure of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, changing its name to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Throughout the centuries, the task has changed, but the impetus for fidelity to the doctrine of the Apostles remains ever-present and indelible.

Structure

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith comprises two sections: Doctrinal and Disciplinary. The Doctrinal Section deals with matters related to the promotion and protection of the doctrine of faith and morals. The Matrimonial Office belongs to this Section; it was established to examine, both in law and in practice, all matters concerning the  privilege of faith . The Disciplinary Section deals with offenses reserved to the Dicastery and handled by it through the jurisdiction of the Supreme Apostolic Tribunal. The Pontifical Biblical Commission and the International Theological Commission are also housed within the Dicastery. Each operates according to its own approved norms.

Biblical Commission and International Theological Commission

The Pontifical Biblical Commission was established by Leo XIII with the Apostolic Letter  Vigilantiae studiique  of October 30, 1902. It is an advisory body at the service of the Magisterium. The International Theological Commission was instituted by Paul VI in 1969. Its task is to assist the Holy See in examining doctrinal questions of major importance.

Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors

The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors is also housed within the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Its task is to provide the Pope with counsel and advice, as well as to propose the most appropriate initiatives for safeguarding minors and vulnerable persons. This Pontifical Commission is committed, in particular, to developing suitable strategies and procedures, through guidelines, to protect minors and vulnerable persons from sexual abuse, and to providing an appropriate response to such conduct by clergy and members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, in accordance with canon law and taking into account the requirements of civil law.

From the Vatican to the world

The headquarters of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith extends throughout the grounds of the Palace of the Holy Office. This building is situated between St. Peter’s Basilica and one of the entrances to Vatican City. From this place, which seems to merge with Bernini’s Colonnade’s embrace of the world, the service of promoting and safeguarding the faith is renewed in our time. This mission, in the life of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, is also articulated through a wide range of activities, including symposia, study days, documents, and meetings. Today’s efforts are joined to those that characterized the origins of the Church. What was called the “concern for correct doctrine,” which arose before the Holy Office, was already present in the New Testament. Numerous Councils and Synods bear witness to this. Drawing on this tradition, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith continues and carries forward its mission: to safeguard the deposit of faith.

(Translation made while maintaining fidelity to the original text published in  Vatican News  )

1. State Secretariat
2. Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith