Donum Veritatis

Instruction on the Ecclesial Vocation of the Theologian

Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith1990-05-24Current

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Overview

Explains the vocation of theology, its relationship to faith and the Magisterium, academic freedom, assent, difficulty, dialogue, and ecclesial responsibility.

Why This Document Matters

It is the central modern doctrinal guide to how Catholic theologians serve truth and the Church, including how difficulties with non-definitive teaching are handled.

Historical Context

Issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger during debates over theological dissent and ecclesial responsibility.

Authority and Status

Genre: Doctrinal Instruction
Authority class: Doctrinal Instruction of the Church’s doctrinal dicastery, approved or authorized by the Roman Pontiff as stated in the document
Juridical force: Doctrinal or disciplinary according to the document’s stated scope
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1990-05-24

A doctrinal-dicastery text whose authority is determined by its genre, contents, papal approval, and the authority of the teachings it reiterates.

Key Points

Doctrine & FaithEducation & FormationEcclesiology

Major Themes

Doctrine & FaithEducation & FormationEcclesiology

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Donum Veritatis

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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