A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
POWER OF JURISDICTION
The moral right to govern the faithful in the Catholic Church. Also called the power of ruling (potestas regiminis), which, by divine institution, belongs to the Church founded by Christ. It includes jurisdiction in the external forum (publicly known) and the internal forum (privately matters of conscience), whether sacramental or nonsacramental.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.