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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POWER OF JURISDICTION

The moral right to govern the faithful in the Catholic Church. Also called the power of ruling (potestas regiminis), which, by divine institution, belongs to the Church founded by Christ. It includes jurisdiction in the external forum (publicly known) and the internal forum (privately matters of conscience), whether sacramental or nonsacramental.