Pastor Bonus

On the Roman Curia

St. John Paul II1988-06-28Historically superseded

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Overview

Organized the dicasteries, offices, tribunals, and functions of the Roman Curia for service to the pope and bishops.

Why This Document Matters

It is essential historical context for Roman Curia governance before the 2022 reform.

Historical Context

Issued by St. John Paul II in 1988, this apostolic constitution addresses the pastoral, doctrinal, or governing needs of its period while remaining part of the Church's continuing documentary tradition.

Authority and Status

Genre: Apostolic Constitution
Authority class: Papal apostolic constitution
Juridical force: Doctrinal, legislative, or governing according to its provisions
Current status: Historically superseded
Promulgated: 1988-06-28

Legal or historical note: Superseded by Praedicate Evangelium on 5 June 2022.

A high-form papal act whose doctrinal, juridical, or governing force is determined by its contents and stated provisions.

Key Points

Canon Law & GovernanceEcclesiologySynodality & Communion

Major Themes

Canon Law & GovernanceEcclesiologySynodality & Communion

Document Relationships

Superseded by: Praedicate Evangelium
Affected law: Roman Curia governance
Related records: Praedicate Evangelium

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Pastor Bonus

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.

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