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This paper explores canonical administrative activity in relation to buildings and other places of worship (churches, oratories, private chapels and sanctuaries) in church praxis in Italy, based on CIC rules and instructions issued by the Italian episcopal conference. In light of an analysis of the elements and effects of deputatio ad cultum, reparatio iniuriae and reductio ad usus profanos, the praxis with regard to concerts, tours, exhibitions, etc. is addressed, as well as the award of licenses and approvals relating to places of worship. The Italy-specific system enabling the juridical-pastoral description of churches established by the Italian episcopal conference is a particular focus of inquiry, along with agreements drafted to commend or concede the use of a church. Finally, the praxis governing the construction of new churches in the Diocese of Rome, which is entrusted exclusively to the ORPF, is discussed. The appendices comprise a set of model forms and regulations used in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is primarily concerned with two issues that arose in relation to the recent exercise of normative power by the Roman Curia. The first issue relates to the normative activity of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith; the conclusion reached is that the process of clarification, publication and procedural control in the normative activity of this dicastery of the Roman Curia is not yet fully complete. The second question involves a discussion of the "instructions" issued by Pontifical Councils of the Roman Curia, which have given rise to a deviation from the provisions set out in the 1983 Code of Canon Law. The conclusion in this regard is that the normative activity of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia must always be guided by systematic criteria of legality, which facilitate good governance and preclude the simple accumulation of specific norms to meet the pragmatic interest of the authority in different circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]