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.

Random Term from the Dictionary:

ORDINARY POWER

The moral right of the Pope or bishops to teach and govern in virtue of their office, hence by divine ordinance. It is not delegated power received for a time or periodically from a higher possessor of jurisdiction.