Cardinal major penitentiary
The Cardinal Grosspönitentiar ( Poenitentiarius maior ) is an office holder of the Catholic Church . The holder of this office, a cardinal , heads the Apostolic Penitentiary , an authority designed as a court of justice of the Vatican, which is responsible, among other things, for mercy and indulgences.
According to the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis of 1996 issued by Pope John Paul II, the major penitentiary, in contrast to most holders of curial leadership positions, remains in his office even during the vacancy of the Holy See.
Cardinal Mauro Piacenza has been the incumbent since 2013 .
Web links
- Penitenzieria Apostolica on vatican.va, accessed April 12, 2016 (Italian)