CNS STORY: Vatican says it must authorize use of papal names by institutions

PAPAL NAMES Dec-21-2009 (230 words) xxxi

Vatican says it must authorize use of papal names by institutions

By John Thavis
Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican announced tighter controls on the use of papal names, photos and the word "pontifical" by institutions and groups around the world.

The move was aimed at protecting the figure of the pope and preventing a pope's identity from being misused, it said. The brief Vatican text, issued by the Secretariat of State, was published Dec. 19 in six languages.

"Recent years have witnessed a great increase of affection and esteem for the person of the Holy Father. There has also been a desire to use the pope's name in the title of universities, schools or cultural institutions, as well as associations, foundations and other groups," the statement said.

Occasionally, it said, attempts have been made to "attribute credibility and authority" to initiatives by using papal symbols or logos.

It said the Vatican has the sole right to ensure the respect due to popes, and to protect their figure and identity from unauthorized use "for ends and activities which have little or nothing to do with the Catholic Church."

"Consequently, the use of anything referring directly to the person or office of the supreme pontiff (his name, his picture or his coat of arms), and/or the use of the title 'pontifical,' must receive previous and express authorization from the Holy See," it said.

The Vatican did not specify any examples of unauthorized use of papal names or identity.

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