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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PROTOCOL
Originally the first leaf glued to papyrus rolls; later a sheet with seal affixed, containing a summary of the document's contents by a notary. Now the forms of ceremony to be observed by ecclesiastical and civil officials. In this sense the protocol for bishops and especially for Vatican dignitaries and the Pope is highly complex and carefully observed. (Etym. Greek protokollon, first leaf of a volume, containing an account of the documents.)
