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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PLACET

Literally, "it pleases," applied to many situations where someone's judgment or approval expresses or affects the teaching or jurisdiction of the Church. Commonly used of the affirmative votes at a general council, and of Rome's decisions regarding controverted issues. It also refers to juridical obligation of papal decrees depending, as in Communist countries, on the concurrence of State authorities. (Etym. Latin placet, it pleases.)