One of the three tribunals of the Roman Curia, is of very ancient but uncertain origin. The Cardinal Chief Penitentiary (pamitentiarius maior) generally exercises the complete jurisdiction of the tribunal. The other officials are the regent, who attends to minor business, the theologian (a Jesuit), the datary, the corrector, the sealer, the canonist, some copyists, a secretary, and an archivist. The jurisdiction of the Penitentiaria is restricted to the internal forum, but is most ample, and for both the Latin and the Oriental Churches. It is empowered to grant favors of all kinds for the internal forum: absolutions, dispensations, commutations, ratifications in the matter of impediments, and condonations. It also deals with questions of conscience submitted to the judgment of the Holy See. A special section of this tribunal treats matters regarding the use and granting of indulgenses, saving the right of the Holy Office over doctrinal questions relating to indulgences, new prayers, and devotions.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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