Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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APOSTOLIC PENITENTIARY

A papal tribunal, whose origins go back to the twelfth century, delegated by the Pope to grant absolution from censures and certain dispensations reserved to the Holy See. In 1967, Pope Paul VI confirmed the competence of this tribunal over all that embraces the internal forum, even nonsacramental and to the use of indulgences, while reserving the right of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to examine the doctrinal aspects of indulgences.