The censorship of the Church of Rome and its influence upon the production and distribution of literature, volume 2 (of 2)Putnam, George Haven
History
The censorship of the Church of Rome and its influence upon the production and distribution of literature, volume 2 (of 2)
Putnam, George Haven
Freedom of the press; Liberty of conscience; Prohibited books
37. If an author, living in Rome, desires to print a book, not
in the city of Rome but elsewhere, no other approbation is
required beyond that of the Cardinal Vicar and the Master of the
Apostolic Palace.
II. OF THE DUTY OF CENSORS IN THE PRELIMINARY
EXAMINATION OF BOOKS
38. Bishops, whose duty it is to grant permission for the
printing of books, shall take care to employ in the examination
of them men of acknowledged piety and learning, concerning
whose faith and honesty they may feel sure, and that they will
show neither favour nor ill-will, but, putting aside all human
affections, will look only to the glory of God and the welfare
of the people.
39. Censors must understand that, in the matter of various
opinions and systems, they are bound to judge with a mind
free from all prejudice, according to the precept of Benedict
XIV. Therefore they should put away all attachment to their
particular country, family, school, or institute, and lay
aside all partisan spirit. They must keep before their eyes
nothing but the dogmas of Holy Church, and the common Catholic
doctrine, as contained in the Decrees of General Councils, the
Constitutions of the Roman Pontiffs, and the unanimous teaching
of the Doctors of the Church.
40. If after this examination, no objection appears to the
publication of the book, the Ordinary shall grant to the author,
in writing and without any fee whatsoever, a license to publish,
which shall be printed either at the beginning or at the end of
the work.
III. OF THE BOOKS TO BE SUBMITTED TO CENSORSHIP
41. All the faithful are bound to submit to preliminary
ecclesiastical censorship at least those books which treat
of Holy Scripture, Sacred Theology, Ecclesiastical History,
Canon Law, Natural Theology, Ethics, and other religious or
moral subjects of this character; and in general all writings
specially concerned with religion and morality.
42. The secular clergy, in order to give an example of respect
towards their Ordinaries, ought not to publish books, even when
treating of merely natural arts and sciences, without their
knowledge.
They are also prohibited from undertaking the management of
newspapers or periodicals without the previous permission of
their Ordinaries.
IV. OF PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS OF BOOKS
43. No book liable to ecclesiastical censorship may be printed
unless it bear at the beginning the name and surname of both the
author and the publisher, together with the place and year of
printing and publishing. If in any particular case, owing to a
just reason, it appears desirable to suppress the name of the
author, this may be permitted by the Ordinary.
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