The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (Latin: Congregatio de Cultu Divino et Disciplina Sacramentorum) is the congregation of the Roman Curia that handles most affairs relating to liturgical practices of the Latin Church as distinct from the Eastern Catholic Churches and also some technical matters relating to the Sacraments. Its functions were originally exercised by the Sacred Congregation of Rites, set up in January 1588 by Pope Sixtus V.
Prefect: Cardinal Robert Sarah
Secretary: Archbishop Arthur Roche
Undersecretary: Rev. Corrado Maggioni
The congregation is the direct successor of the Sacred Congregation for the Discipline of the Sacraments (Sacra Congregatio de Disciplina Sacramentorum) (1908–1969).
In 1975 it was given the title "Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship" (Congregatio de Sacramentis et Cultu Divino) and incorporated the functions of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship (Sacra Congregatio pro Cultu Divino) which had been created in 1969 to take on responsibility for the liturgical affairs previously handled by the Sacred Congregation of Rites (Sacra Rituum Congregatio) (1588–1969).
Between 1984 and 1988 it was briefly redivided into the Congregation for the Sacraments (Congregatio de Sacramentis) and the Congregation for Divine Worship (Congregatio de Cultu Divino) under a single Prefect.
The Apostolic Constitution Pastor bonus, issued by Pope John Paul II on 28 June 1988, established the congregation's functions:
Regulation and promotion of the liturgy, primarily of the sacraments
Regulation of the administration of the sacraments, especially regarding their valid and licit celebration
Promoting liturgical pastoral activity, especially regarding the celebration of the Eucharist
Drawing up and revision of liturgical texts
Reviewing particular calendars and proper texts for the Mass and the Divine Office
Granting the recognitio to translations of liturgical books and their adaptations
Promoting the liturgical apostolate or sacred music, song or art
Ensuring that liturgical norms are accurately observed, and that abuses are avoided and eliminated where they are found to exist.
Examining the fact of non-consummation in a marriage and the existence of a just cause for granting a dispensation.
Examining cases concerning the nullity of ordination.
Regulating the cult of relics, the confirmation of heavenly patrons in diocese or locality
The authorisation of Canonical Coronations and the granting of the title of minor basilica
Giving assistance to bishops so that the prayers and pious exercises of the Christian people may be fostered and held in high esteem
On 30 August 2011, Pope Benedict XVI transferred jurisdiction over unconsummated marriages and the nullification of ordinations to the Roman Rota to relieve the Congregation of administrative burdens and allow it to focus on liturgy, its principal responsibility. In 2012, the Congregation added an office devoted to liturgical architecture and music.
Domenico Ferrata (1908–1914)
Filippo Giustini (1914–1920)
Michele Lega (1920–1935)
Domenico Jorio (1935–1954)
Benedetto Aloisi Masella (1954–1968)
Francesco Carpino (7 April 1967 – 26 June 1967)
Francis James Brennan (1968)
Antonio Samoré (prefect, Divine Worship, 1968–1969; prefect, Discipline of the Sacraments, 1968–1974)
Benno Walter Gut (1969–1970)
Arturo Tabera (1971–1973)
James Knox (1974–1981)
Giuseppe Casoria, (pro-prefect 1981–1983, prefect 1983–1984)
Paul Mayer (pro-prefect 1984–1985, prefect 1985–1988)
Eduardo Martínez Somalo (1988–1992)
Antonio María Javierre Ortas (1992–1996)
Jorge Arturo Medina Estévez (pro-prefect 1996–1998, prefect 1998–2002)
Francis Arinze (2002–2008)
Antonio Cañizares Llovera (2008–2014)
Robert Sarah (2014–)
Annibale Bugnini, C.M. (1969–1975)
Geraldo Majella Agnelo (1991–1999)
Francesco Pio Tamburrino, O.S.B. (1999–2003)
Domenico Sorrentino (2003–2005)
Malcolm Ranjith (2005–2009)
Joseph Augustine Di Noia (2009–2012)
Arthur Roche (2012–)
In 2001 the Congregation established the Vox Clara Committee composed of senior bishops from episcopal conferences throughout the English-speaking world. It advises the Congregation on English-language liturgical texts and their distribution. It meets in Rome.
