Presbyterorum Ordinis

Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests

Second Vatican Council; solemnly promulgated by St. Paul VI1965-12-07Current

Read official document on Vatican.va ↗Return to library

Overview

Treats the nature, ministry, spiritual life, relationships, and practical support of priests within the mission of Christ and the Church.

Why This Document Matters

It is a central conciliar source for Catholic teaching on ordained priestly ministry and pastoral charity.

Historical Context

Promulgated at the end of Vatican II to complement the council's teaching on bishops, the Church, liturgy, and priestly formation.

Authority and Status

Genre: Ecumenical Council Decree
Authority class: Ecumenical council decree
Juridical force: Doctrinal, pastoral, and disciplinary
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1965-12-07

A decree of an ecumenical council, solemnly promulgated by the pope, containing doctrinal foundations and pastoral discipline for priestly ministry and life.

Key Points

PriesthoodMinistryEucharistPastoral Charity

Major Themes

PriesthoodMinistryEucharistPastoral CharityPriestly Life

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Presbyterorum Ordinis

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

Read official document on Vatican.va ↗Source verified 2026-08-25 · Opens in a new tab