Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Papal Congregation A department of the Roman Curia, consisting of a number of cardinals , and permanently established to handle a certain class of administrative business. One of the cardinals presides over it as prefect, or as secretary if the pope is the prefect. To it are attached the required officials and a body of … Continue reading “Papal Congregation”

Papal Catalogues are the principal source for the history of the Roman bishops down to the 6th century. These catalogues are divided into two classes, the Greek and the Latin. Of the earliest Greek are the lists given by Irenaeus (Adv. Hoeres. 3:3, 3) and by Eusebius (Chronica and Hist. Eccles.). Jerome has depended altogether … Continue reading “Papal Catalogues”

papal bull (Latin: bulla, seal) At the present time the document used by the pope in appointing a bishop ; the name is derived from the disk-like leaden seals attached. Formerly all important papal letters including canonization , decrees were called Bulls. Even the Code of Canon Law makes Bull synonymous with major papal letter, … Continue reading “papal bull”

papal audiences Receptions given by the pope to clerical or lay persons having business with or interest in the Holy See. Requests for audiences are made to the master of the chamber (Maestro di Camera), even those which ambassadors present through the cardinal secretary of state. The pope receives every day the cardinal prefect of … Continue reading “papal audiences”

Papal Arbitration An institution almost coeval with the papacy itself. The principle of arbitration presupposes that the individuals or groups of individuals submitting to arbitrament are united in some common bond. As soon therefore as this common bond has come prominently before public opinion, there necessarily results a tendency to settle disputes by reference to … Continue reading “Papal Arbitration”

Papago Indians An important tribe of Shoshonean stock closely resembling the Pima. Their habitat was Ariwna and Sonora, Mexico. They were sedentary and agricultural and skilled in basketry. At enmity with the Apaches they were friendly to the whites. Father Kino founded the mission of San Xaver del Bac in 1681. They are now Catholics … Continue reading “Papago Indians”

Papaeus a Scythian name of Zeus (Jupiter). Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Papadopoli, Niceola Commenus a noted Italian theologian, was born Jan. 6, 1655, in the isle of Candia. When eleven years old he came to Rome, where he was educated in the college of St. Athanasius. In 1672 he joined the Order of the Jesuits, whom he afterwards left. In 1688 he was appointed professor of … Continue reading “Papadopoli, Niceola Commenus”

Papacy, The This term is employed in an ecclesiastical and in an historical signification. In the former of these uses it denotes the ecclesiastical system in which the pope as successor of St. Peter and Vicar of Jesus Christ governs the Catholic Church as its supreme head. In the latter, it signifies the papal influence … Continue reading “Papacy, The”

papacy Term employed in an ecclesiastical and an historical signification. In the former use it denotes the ecclesiastical system in which the pope as successor of Saint Peter and Vicar of Jesus Christ governs the Catholic Church as its supreme head. In the latter, it signifies the papal power viewed as a political force in … Continue reading “Papacy”