Decretals

Decretals are formal legal rulings or decisions made by the Pope or the Roman Catholic Church on matters of church law and doctrine. They clarify, interpret, or expand upon existing canon law, serving as authoritative guidance for resolving specific issues within the church. Decretals can address topics like moral conduct, church governance, or the administration of sacraments. Historically significant, they play a crucial role in shaping the application of canon law and the church's response to various situations throughout its history.