Ex Corde Ecclesiae

The Ex Corde Ecclesiae, Apostolic constitution (Latin: From the Heart of the Church ) was published on 15 August, 1990 by Pope John Paul II. With this constitution arrangements "On Catholic Universities " will be granted, she joined on 1 January 1991, the beginning of the academic year in power. As an executive organ, the congregation was named by the Pope for Catholic Education, should consist in their task of adopting the necessary standards and necessary changes that would arise in the course of time to propose and incorporate in this Constitution.

Character and task

In the first part, which is divided into Section A. and B., the character of a Catholic University is described by the Pope, in its entirety, he goes into nature and objectives of a Catholic University, where he states that each Catholic University an academic community is

" The their contribution in strict and critical method for the protection and promotion of human dignity and at the same time the cultural heritage through research and education and through the various services that it provides to local, national and international communities for their benefit. She possesses that institutional autonomy necessary to enable it to fulfill its duties effectively, and it guarantees its members academic freedom, while respecting the rights of the individual and the community, within the confines of the truth and the common good. "

John Paul II explains the importance of a university community and states that each Catholic University in an indispensable link. (ECE No. 21 ) to the Catholic Church stand. Furthermore, it establishes the basic service mandate of the Catholic universities, he means a constant search for truth through its research, preservation and communication of knowledge for the good of society. (ECE No. 30 ) afford the Catholic universities, he performs a service to the Church and society, because they make men and women that could also take on responsibilities in the Church. (ECE No. 31 )

The connecting elements between church and society count for John Paul II, the University Pastoral Care (ECE No. 38) and the cultural dialogue (ECE No. 43), for he writes:

" Aware that human culture for revelation and transcendence is open, the Catholic University is the primary and specific place for a fruitful dialogue between the Gospel and culture "

General standards

In the second part he places the preceding explanations and characterizations " General Standards " found in the Code of Canon Law (CIC ) are based the basis and would be compulsory for all Catholic universities and Catholic higher education institutions throughout the world. Expressly assigns to the Pope that

" To better address the problems of today's society and to strengthen the Catholic character of the institutions it is necessary in research and teaching and other activities of the University of the regional, national and international cooperation among all Catholic universities, and the Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties to promote. This cooperation is equally promote and between Catholic universities and other universities and research and educational institutions, both public and private. "