Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life

Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life. It is a department of the Roman Curia responsible for everything concerning institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life throughout the Catholic Church. The dicastery exercises oversight regarding the governance, discipline, studies, goods, rights, and privileges of these communities, which include religious orders, monastic orders, and secular institutes. It works in close collaboration with bishops and episcopal conferences to support the vitality of consecrated life globally, in accordance with the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the Code of Canon Law.

History

The origins of the dicastery trace back to the establishment of the Sacred Congregation for Consultations about Regulars by Pope Sixtus V in 1586 through the apostolic constitution *Immensa*. This body was later renamed and reorganized multiple times, becoming the Sacred Congregation for Religious under Pope Pius X in 1908. Following the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI reconstituted it as the Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes in 1967 through the apostolic constitution *Regimini Ecclesiae universae*. Pope John Paul II later renamed it the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in 1988 with the constitution *Pastor Bonus*. The most recent reform by Pope Francis in 2022, via the apostolic constitution *Praedicate evangelium*, gave it its current title, integrating it fully into his vision for a missionary and synodal Curia.

Function and responsibilities

The primary function of this dicastery is to promote and supervise the practice of evangelical counsels as lived in institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life. Its responsibilities include approving new foundations, examining the constitutions of these communities, and providing guidance on matters of internal governance and spiritual life. It handles issues related to the suppression or merger of institutes, the alienation of ecclesiastical goods above certain values, and significant changes to their statutes. The dicastery also addresses specific concerns such as the transfer of members, exclaustration, and the dismissal from religious institutes, ensuring adherence to the 1983 Code of Canon Law and the 1990 Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.

Structure and leadership

The dicastery is led by a Prefect, currently João Braz de Aviz, who has held the position since his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011. The second-highest official is the Secretary, José Rodríguez Carballo, a Franciscan appointed by Pope Francis in 2013. The staff includes various undersecretaries, officials, and consultors, many of whom are members of different institutes of consecrated life. The dicastery's work is supported by a group of cardinals and bishops who serve as members, appointed for five-year terms, and it convenes in ordinary sessions to discuss major issues. Its offices are located in the Palazzo delle Congregazioni on Piazza Pio XII in Rome.

Related dicasteries and entities

The dicastery collaborates closely with other curial departments, particularly the Dicastery for Bishops and the Dicastery for the Clergy, on matters concerning the pastoral care of those in consecrated life. It also works with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on doctrinal issues and the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity regarding Eastern Catholic institutes. Key related entities include the International Union of Superiors General and the Union of Superiors General, which represent the leadership of religious institutes globally. Furthermore, it maintains relations with the Congregation for the Oriental Churches for Eastern Catholic religious communities and various pontifical councils that address specific aspects of consecrated life.

See also

* Apostolic constitution * Canon law (Catholic Church) * Catholic religious order * Evangelical counsels * List of Catholic religious institutes * Monasticism * Papal bull * Pontifical right * Vatican City * Vow

Category:Dicasteries of the Roman Curia Category:Catholic consecrated life Category:Religious organizations based in Vatican City