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In law, motu proprio (Latin for 'on his own impulse') describes an official act taken without a formal request from another party. Some jurisdictions use the term sua sponte for the same concept.
In Catholic canon law, it refers to a document issued by the pope on his own initiative and personally signed by him.[1] Such a document may be addressed to the whole church, to part of it, or to some individuals.[1] The first Catholic motu proprio was promulgated by Pope Innocent VIII in 1484. It continues to be a common form of papal rescript, especially when establishing institutions, making minor changes to law or procedure, and when granting favours to persons or institutions.[2]
- ^ a b Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (Oxford University Press 2005 ISBN 978-0-19-280290-3), s.v. motu proprio
- ^ "Catholic Encyclopedia : Motu Proprio". newadvent.org.