# Pastor bonus

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Pastor_bonus
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Pastor_bonus.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastor_bonus
> Source revision: 1352865692
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Apostolic constitution of John Paul II

This article is part of a series about Pope John Paul II Early life and church career Early life Priesthood Episcopate and cardinalate Papacy October 1978 conclave Papacy Pastoral visits World Youth Day Great Jubilee of 2000 Cardinals created Beatifications by John Paul II Canonizations by John Paul II Teachings and writings Theology Theology of the Body Culture of life Encyclicals Redemptor hominis Dives in misericordia Laborem exercens Slavorum Apostoli Dominum et vivificantem Redemptoris Mater Sollicitudo rei socialis Redemptoris missio Centesimus annus Veritatis splendor Evangelium vitae Ut unum sint Fides et ratio Ecclesia de Eucharistia Love and Responsibility Memory and Identity Church governance 1983 Code of Canon Law Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches Catechism of the Catholic Church Ordination of women and the Catholic Church Pastor bonus Ad tuendam fidem Ordinatio sacerdotalis Political views and activity Political views Anti-communism Holy See–Soviet Union relations Ecumenism and interfaith relations Ecumenism Eastern Orthodoxy Judaism Islam Apologies Assassination attempts and health 1981 assassination attempt Mehmet Ali Ağca Juan María Fernández y Krohn Bojinka plot Health Death, canonization, and legacy Death and funeral Beatification Canonization Legacy In popular culture John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin John Paul II Foundation v t e

Part of a series on the Roman Curia of the Holy See Secretariat of State Section for Relations with States Dicasteries Evangelization Doctrine of the Faith Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors International Theological Commission Pontifical Biblical Commission Service of Charity Eastern Churches Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments Causes of Saints Bishops Pontifical Commission for Latin America Clergy Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life Laity, Family and Life Promoting Christian Unity Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews Interreligious Dialogue Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims Culture and Education Promoting Integral Human Development Legislative Texts Communication Vatican Press L'Osservatore Romano Holy See Press Office Institutions of justice Apostolic Penitentiary Apostolic Signatura Roman Rota Institutions of finance Council for the Economy Secretariat for the Economy Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See Office of the Auditor General Commission for Confidential Matters Committee for Investments Offices Prefecture of the Papal Household Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church Institutes Labour Office of the Apostolic See Vatican Apostolic Archive Vatican Apostolic Library Fabric of Saint Peter Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology Pontifical academies AVEPRO Supervisory and Financial Information Authority Domus Vaticanae Interdicasterial commissions Particular Churches Church in Eastern Europe Consecrated Religious Candidates to Sacred Order Revision of the General Regulations of the Roman Curia Commissions and committees International Eucharistic Congresses Historical Sciences Advocates Swiss Guard Disciplinary Financial Security Institute for the Works of Religion Healthcare Sector Verification and Application of Mitis Iudex in the Churches of Italy History Roman Inquisition Immensa aeterni Dei Reform by Pius X Reform by Paul VI Reform by John Paul II Reform by Francis Former dicasteries Congregation of Bishops and Regulars Congregation for Borders Congregation of Ceremonies Sacred Congregation of the Index Congregation for Indulgences and Sacred Relics Congregation of the Vatican Press Sacred Congregation of the Consulta Sacred Congregation of Rites Apostolic Chancery Apostolic Dataria Secretariate of Briefs to Princes and of Latin Letters Special Administration of the Holy See Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei Pontifical Council for Social Communications Pontifical Council for the Family Pontifical Council for the Laity Cor Unum Justice and Peace Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers Evangelization of Peoples Promoting the New Evangelization Catholic Education Culture Apostolic Camera Related topics Pontifical commission Dicastery Acta Apostolicae Sedis Advocates of Roman congregations Archive of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith Catholic Church portal v t e

***Pastor bonus*** ([Latin](/source/Latin_language) for 'The Good Shepherd') is an [apostolic constitution](/source/Apostolic_constitution) [promulgated](/source/Promulgation_(Catholic_canon_law)) by [Pope John Paul II](/source/Pope_John_Paul_II) on 28 June 1988. It instituted a number of reforms in the process of running the central government of the [Catholic Church](/source/Catholic_Church).

The document's article 1 defines the [Roman Curia](/source/Roman_Curia) as [dicasteries](/source/Dicastery) and institutes supporting the [Roman Pontiff](/source/Pope) "in the exercise of his supreme pastoral office" on behalf of the whole Church, including both the [Latin](/source/Latin_Church) and [Eastern Catholic Churches](/source/Eastern_Catholic_Churches).

It was abrogated and replaced by *[Praedicate evangelium](/source/Praedicate_evangelium)* (released on 19 March 2022 under [Pope Francis](/source/Pope_Francis)) when it [became effective](/source/Coming_into_force) on 5 June 2022.

## Background

*Pastor bonus* laid out in considerable detail the organization of the Roman Curia, specifying precisely the names and composition of each dicastery, and enumerating which competencies, or responsibilities, each dicastery was charged with overseeing. It replaced the previous governing document, *[Regimini Ecclesiae universae](/source/Regimini_Ecclesiae_universae)*, which was released by Paul VI in 1967.[1]

It delineated the roles of the [Secretariat of State](/source/Secretariat_of_State_(Holy_See)), [Congregations](/source/Congregation_(Roman_Curia)), Tribunals, [Pontifical Councils](/source/Pontifical_Council), Administrative Services and [Pontifical Commissions](/source/Pontifical_Commission) of the Roman Curia. It also established the norms for the [ad limina visits](/source/Ad_limina_visits) of bishops to Rome and the relationship between the Holy See and the [particular Churches](/source/Particular_Church) and [episcopal conferences](/source/Episcopal_conference).

## Changes introduced

Among the changes formulated in the constitution was the re-integration of the Council for Public Affairs of the Church into the [Secretariat of State](/source/Secretariat_of_State_(Vatican)) as the [Section for Relations with States](/source/Section_for_Relations_with_States) (the *Second Section*). The Council for Public Affairs of the Church had previously been a section of the Secretariat of State, but was made an independent dicastery by [Pope Paul VI](/source/Pope_Paul_VI) in 1967.[2]

The constitution also opened membership in dicasteries to [priests](/source/Presbyteriate), [deacons](/source/Diaconate), [religious](/source/Religious_(Catholicism)), and [lay persons](/source/Laity). For centuries, only [cardinals](/source/Cardinal_(Catholicism)) were eligible for membership in the organs of the Holy See, but Pope Paul VI allowed diocesan bishops to be members following calls for [collegiality](/source/Collegiality_(Catholic_Church)) at the [Second Vatican Council](/source/Second_Vatican_Council). *Pastor bonus* continued the opening of the central government of the church by allowing representatives of all the faithful to have a role in the Roman Curia.[3]

## Modifications to *Pastor bonus*

See also: [Praedicate evangelium](/source/Praedicate_evangelium)

As of March 2016[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pastor_bonus&action=edit),[4] *Pastor bonus* has been amended by **Quaerit semper** in 2011,[5] **Ministrorum institutio** and **Fides per doctrinam** in 2013,[6][7] and **Confermando una tradizione** in 2014.[8]

In the Apostolic Letter *Ministrorum institutio* of 16 January 2013, [Pope Benedict XVI](/source/Pope_Benedict_XVI) transferred the governance of seminaries from the [Congregation for Catholic Education](/source/Congregation_for_Catholic_Education) to the [Congregation for the Clergy](/source/Congregation_for_the_Clergy).[6] On the same day the Apostolic Letter *Fides per doctrinam* transferred the competence of [catechesis](/source/Catechesis) from the Congregation for Clergy to the [Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization](/source/Pontifical_Council_for_Promoting_New_Evangelization).[9]

In October 2013, [Pope Francis](/source/Pope_Francis) and his Council of Cardinals were reviewing *Pastor bonus* for possible further revisions.[10] On 24 February 2014, Francis issued the Apostolic Letter **Fidelis dispensator et prudens** establishing the Council for the Economy to oversee the administrative and financial structures and activities of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia, the institutions linked to the Holy See, and the Vatican City State. It also established the [Secretariat for the Economy](/source/Secretariat_for_the_Economy) as a dicastery of the Roman Curia.[11]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Akin, Jimmy (2 October 2013). ["Is Pope Francis about to 'rip up' the Vatican constitution? 12 things to know and share"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160408222800/http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/is-pope-francis-about-to-rip-up-the-vatican-constitution-12-things-to-know/). *National Catholic Register*. Archived from [the original](http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/is-pope-francis-about-to-rip-up-the-vatican-constitution-12-things-to-know/) on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sos_2-0)** ["Secretariat of State: Profile"](https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/secretariat_state/documents/rc_seg-st_12101998_profile_en.html). The [Holy See](/source/Holy_See). Retrieved 23 April 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Sodano, Angelo Cardinal (2001). ["The Holy See's Presence in International Affairs"](https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/whith2&id=87&div=&collection=). *Seton Hall Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations*. **2**: 87.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CurrentCanonLawNorms2016-03-10_4-0)** ["Norms of current canon law of the universal Church"](http://www.iuscangreg.it/diritto_universale.php?lang=EN). *iuscangreg.it*. Rome, IT: Pontifical Gregorian University. n.d. [current as of 10 March 2016]. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160323203556/http://www.iuscangreg.it/diritto_universale.php?lang=EN) from the original on 23 March 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-BenedictXVI2011-08-30_5-0)** Benedict XVI, Pope (30 August 2011). ["Quaerit semper"](https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_ben-xvi_motu-proprio_20110830_quaerit-semper.html). *vatican.va*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150403022651/http://w2.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_ben-xvi_motu-proprio_20110830_quaerit-semper.html) from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-BenedictXVI2013a_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-BenedictXVI2013a_6-1) Benedict XVI, Pope (16 January 2013). ["Ministrorum institutio"](https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_ben-xvi_motu-proprio_20130116_ministrorum-institutio.html). *vatican.va*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150908035124/http://w2.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_ben-xvi_motu-proprio_20130116_ministrorum-institutio.html) from the original on 8 September 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Benedict XVI, Pope (16 January 2013). ["Fides per doctrinam"](https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_ben-xvi_motu-proprio_20130116_fides-per-doctrinam.html). *vatican.va*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150212174229/http://w2.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_ben-xvi_motu-proprio_20130116_fides-per-doctrinam.html) from the original on 12 February 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Francis, Pope (8 July 2014). ["Confermando una tradizione"](https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio/documents/papa-francesco-motu-proprio_20140708_trasferimento-apsa.html). *vatican.va*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140714141224/http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio/documents/papa-francesco-motu-proprio_20140708_trasferimento-apsa.html) from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 22 March 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Fides per doctrinam"](http://www.news.va/en/news/apostolic-letter-issued-motu-proprio-fides-per-doc). *news.va*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160305074925/http://www.news.va/en/news/apostolic-letter-issued-motu-proprio-fides-per-doc) from the original on 5 March 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** MacDonald, Sarah (4 October 2013). ["Council of Cardinals signals major changes to Pastor Bonus"](http://www.catholicireland.net/council-cardinals-signal-major-pastor-bonus/). *catholicireland.net*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160408143617/http://www.catholicireland.net/council-cardinals-signal-major-pastor-bonus/) from the original on 8 April 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Francis, Pope (24 February 2014). ["Fidelis dispensator et prudens"](https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio/documents/papa-francesco-motu-proprio_20140224_fidelis-dispensator-et-prudens.html). *vatican.va*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140422202641/http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio/documents/papa-francesco-motu-proprio_20140224_fidelis-dispensator-et-prudens.html) from the original on 22 April 2014. Retrieved 22 March 2016.

## Further reading

- Wooden, Cindy (13 July 2014). ["Changing needs, changing names: Reform of Curia is Vatican tradition"](http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20150109021120/http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1403181.htm). *Catholic New Service*. Archived from [the original](http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1403181.htm) on 9 January 2015.

## External links

- [Original text](https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19880628_pastor-bonus-index_lt.html) (in Latin)

- [Full text](https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19880628_pastor-bonus-index_en.html), translated to English by Francis C.C.F. Kelly, James H. Provost, and Michel Thériault and revised by [Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops](/source/Canadian_Conference_of_Catholic_Bishops) and the [Secretariat of State](/source/Secretariat_of_State_(Holy_See)), and authorized by the Secretariat of State.

v t e Pope John Paul II Born Karol Józef Wojtyła; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005 Archbishop of Kraków (1963–1978) Cardinal Priest of San Cesareo de Appia (1967–1978) Pope (1978–2005) Biography Early life Karol Wojtyła (father) Beatification and canonization Coat of arms Pope John Paul II Papacy October 1978 papal conclave Inauguration Apologies Cardinals created People declared venerable Beatifications Canonizations Papal mediation in the Beagle conflict Assassination attempt World Youth Day World Day of the Sick 2000 Jubilee Death and funeral dignitaries Visits (selected) Brazil Ireland Nicaragua United Kingdom United States Relations Eastern Orthodox Church Judaism Other topics Abbà Pater Criticism Family home (historic house) Health John Paul II Foundation Monuments Totus tuus Bibliography Teachings Constitutions Sacrae disciplinae leges Pastor bonus Ex corde Ecclesiae Fidei depositum Universi Dominici gregis Exhortations Catechesi tradendae Familiaris consortio Redemptionis donum Reconciliatio et paenitentia Christifideles laici Redemptoris custos Pastores dabo vobis Ecclesia in Africa Vita consecrata Une espérance nouvelle pour le Liban Ecclesia in America Ecclesia in Asia Ecclesia in Oceania Ecclesia in Europa Pastores gregis Letters Dominicae cenae Salvifici doloris Mulieris dignitatem Ordinatio sacerdotalis Tertio millennio adveniente Letter to Women Ad tuendam fidem Novo millennio ineunte Misericordia Dei Rosarium Virginis Mariae The Rapid Development Encyclicals Redemptor hominis Dives in misericordia Laborem exercens Slavorum Apostoli Dominum et vivificantem Redemptoris Mater Sollicitudo rei socialis Redemptoris missio Centesimus annus Veritatis splendor Evangelium vitae Ut unum sint Fides et ratio Ecclesia de Eucharistia Books Love and Responsibility Crossing the Threshold of Hope Memory and Identity Other writings The Jeweler's Shop Theology of the Body "Roman Triptych" Testament Documents Catechism of the Catholic Church Quattuor abhinc annos We Remember: A Reflection on the Shoah Dominus Iesus Related Papal Concert to Commemorate the Shoah Political views Scriptural Way of the Cross Eponymous places In popular culture Secondary schools United States Huntsville, AL Boca Raton, FL Tallahassee, FL Slidell, LA Hyannis, MA Greenville, NC Royersford, PA Hendersonville, TN Corpus Christi, TX Plano, TX Schertz, TX Dumfries, VA Lacey, WA Other countries Australia: Sydney Canada: London Canada: Toronto New Zealand: Greymouth New Zealand: Rotorua Poland: Tarnów Colleges and universities John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin John Paul II Institute John Paul the Great Catholic University Pontifical University of John Paul II St. John Paul II Minor Seminary Airports Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport John Paul II Ponta Delgada Airport John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice Bridges Pope Bridge John Paul II Bridge, Puławy Puente Juan Pablo II Third Millennium John Paul II Bridge Other places Saint John Paul II National Shrine Ioannes Paulus II Peninsula John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization John Paul II Center for Interreligious Dialogue John Paul II Foundation for Research and Treatment Museum of John Paul II and Primate Wyszyński Museum of John Paul II Collection Pope John Paul II Park Reservation Films Pope John Paul II The Papal Chase Have No Fear: The Life of Pope John Paul II The Pope's Toilet Nine Days that Changed the World TV miniseries Pope John Paul II Karol: A Man Who Became Pope Karol: The Pope, The Man In Search of the Pope's Children Other media The Planet Is Alive...Let It Live! Red Rabbit The Pope's Children Credo: John Paul II

v t e Roman Curia of the Holy See Secretariat Secretariat of State Section for General Affairs Section for Relations with States Secretary for Pontifical Representations Dicasteries Evangelization Doctrine of the Faith Service of Charity Eastern Churches Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments Causes of Saints Bishops Clergy Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life Laity, Family and Life Christian Unity Interreligious Dialogue Culture and Education Integral Human Development Legislative Texts Communication Tribunals Apostolic Penitentiary Apostolic Signatura Roman Rota Economics Council for the Economy Secretariat for the Economy Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See Office of the Auditor General Commission for Confidential Matters Committee for Investments Offices Prefecture of the Papal Household Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff Apostolic Camera Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church Institutes Labour Office of the Apostolic See Vatican Apostolic Archive Vatican Apostolic Library Fabric of Saint Peter Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology AVEPRO Supervisory and Financial Information Authority Domus Vaticanae Interdicasterial commissions Particular Churches Church in Eastern Europe Consecrated Religious Candidates to Sacred Order Revision of the General Regulations of the Roman Curia Commissions and committees International Eucharistic Congresses Historical Sciences Advocates Swiss Guard Disciplinary Financial Security Commission of Cardinals overseeing the Institute for Works of Religion Activities of Public Juridical Persons of the Church in the Healthcare Sector Verification and Application of Mitis Iudex in the Churches of Italy Other organizations Councils, commissions, and offices Evangelization International Council for Catechesis Doctrine of the Faith Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors International Theological Commission Pontifical Biblical Commission College for the review of appeals by clergy accused of delicta reservata Bishops Pontifical Commission for Latin America Clergy Pontifical Work for Priestly Vocations Christian Unity Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews Interreligious Dialogue Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims Culture and Education Pontifical Work for Ecclesiastical Vocations Communication Vatican Publishing House Vatican Media Vatican Radio L'Osservatore Romano Holy See Press Office Pontifical academies Arcadia Alphonsian Ecclesiastical Fine Arts and Letters of the Virtuosi al Pantheon Sciences Theology Archaeology Martyrs Saint Thomas Aquinas Immaculate Conception Mary Life Social Sciences Latin Papal See of Rome Vicar General for the Vatican City State Vicar General for the Vicariate of Rome Auxiliary Bishops of the Vicariate of Rome Prelate Secretary of the Vicariate of Rome History Roman Inquisition (1542) Reform by Sixtus V (1588) Reform by Paul VI (1967) Reform by John Paul II (1988) Reform by Francis (2022) Former dicasteries Congregation for Borders Congregation for Catholic Education Congregation of Ceremonies Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples Sacred Congregation of the Index Congregation of the Vatican Press Sacred Congregation of the Consulta Congregation for Indulgences and Sacred Relics Congregation of Rites Apostolic Chancery Apostolic Dataria Office of Papal Charities Secretariate of Briefs to Princes and of Latin Letters Special Administration of the Holy See Pontifical Council for Culture Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization Pontifical Council for Social Communications Pontifical Council for the Family Pontifical Council for the Laity Pontifical Council Cor Unum Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Health Care Workers Vatican City portal Catholicism portal

Authority control databases VIAF GND

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Pastor bonus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastor_bonus) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastor_bonus?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.