 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (February 2013) |
| Universi Dominici Gregis Latin for 'The Lord's whole flock' Apostolic constitution of Pope John Paul II | |
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| Signature date | 22 February 1996 |
| Subject | Papal election |
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Universi Dominici gregis is an apostolic constitution of the Catholic Church issued by Pope John Paul II on 22 February 1996.[1] It superseded Pope Paul VI's 1975 apostolic constitution, Romano Pontifici eligendo, and all previous apostolic constitutions and orders on the subject of the election of the pope.[1]
Universi Dominici gregis ("the Lord's whole flock", from the opening statement "The Shepherd of the Lord's whole flock is the Bishop of the Church of Rome"), subtitled On the Vacancy of the Apostolic See and the Election of the Roman Pontiff, deals with the vacancy of the See of Rome, i.e., the papacy.
The constitution modified or in some cases confirmed the rules, for the conclave. It also clarified, during a sede vacante, which matters could be handled by the College of Cardinals and which matters were reserved for the future pope.
The constitution was later amended by the motu proprios De aliquibus mutationibus in normis de electione romani Romani pontificis by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and Normas nonnullas by Pope Francis in 2013.[2]
- ^ a b Pope John Paul II (22 February 1996). "Universi Dominici Gregis". The Holy See. Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
- ^ "Universi Dominici Gregis (February 22, 1996) | John Paul II". www.vatican.va. Retrieved 5 October 2023.