Orientis catholici
Orientis catholici of October 15, 1917 is an Apostolic Letter in the form of a Motu Proprio from Pope Benedict XV. , with which the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome was established as a specialized research and teaching institution for oriental studies. At the same time, statutes were issued for the institute. In detail, the Pope determined in his Apostolic Letter:
- An institute for the development of oriental studies is set up in Rome . It is awarded the title "Papal" and is therefore directly under the supervision of the Pope.
- The institute will work directly with the Holy Congregation for the Eastern Churches ; the Congregation is also the interface with the Pope.
- The institute will have its own seat in buildings of the Vatican .
- The following disciplines and teaching content should be taught: Orthodox theology, sciences about Eastern religions , Eastern rites and oriental studies; furthermore canon law for the Eastern Churches as well as Eastern liturgy and literature . It also includes research into and imparting knowledge of geography , archeology , political science and the Eastern languages related to the institute's area of responsibility .
- The duration of the course is set at two years.
- The course participants should be Roman Catholic priests , they should be prepared for a priesthood in the eastern church area.
- As a teaching aid, the institute is provided with a well-equipped library . Books, magazines and other printed matter that are necessary for learning the subject matter are to be made available there.