Immensa Aeterni Dei

"Immensa Aeterni Dei" is an apostolic constitution in the form of a papal bull issued by Pope Sixtus V on February, 1588. The constitution reorganized the Roman Curia, establishing permanent congregations of cardinals to advise the pope on various subjects. The primary role of the document was to provide instruction in condeming or correcting literature which were against Catholic doctrine. [Levillain p. 772] The document also had the authority to give permission for selected individuals to read books which were forbidden. It has since been superseded, most recently by Pope John Paul II's constitution "Pastor Bonus".

The formation of congregations

The immense "Immensa Aeterni Dei" called for the formation of 15 permanent congregations:
* Congregation of the Inquisition
* Congregation of the Segnatura
* Congregation for the Establishment of Churches
* Congregation of Rites and Ceremonies
* Congregation of the Index of Forbidden Books
* Congregation of the Council of Trent
* Congregation of the Regulars
* Congregation of the Bishops
* Congregation of the Vatican Press
* Congregation of the Annona, for the provisioning of Rome and the provinces
* Congregation of the Navy
* Congregation of the Public Welfare
* Congregation of the Sapienza
* Congregation of Roads, Bridges, and Waters
* Congregation of State Consultations

Notes

References

*cite book | last=Levillain |first=Philippe |authorlink= | title=The Papacy: An Encyclopedia
year=2002 |publisher=Routledge|location=New York ISBN 0415922305

External links

* [http://www.catholic-forum.com/SAINTS/define78.htm Catholic Forum]
* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14033a.htm Profile of Pope Sixtus V]