Nihil obstat

Publishing

The phrase nihil obstat is used by a Catholic cleric known as a Censor Librorum (Latin for 'censor of books') to indicate that a book contains nothing contrary to Catholic doctrines, faith, or morals. Canon law requires this approval for the publication of books by faithful Catholics if they "touch upon matters of faith and morals", and requires that pastors enforce this rule. The Censor Librorum is delegated by a bishop to review the text in question over approximately two months. If an author is a member of a religious institute, such as a monastery, and the book concerns religion or morals, then canon law further requires the imprimi potest ('it can be printed') of the major superior before publication. Finally, the bishop of the author's diocese or of the place of publication gives the final approval, the imprimatur ('let it be printed').

Other uses

In the context of canonizations, the phrase is used as an order from the Vatican that "nothing hinders" an investigation of a possible saint's life. Once this order is given, a diocesan or eparchial tribunal can be formed to investigate the life of the candidate, furthering the process of possible canonization.

The phrase can also be used by the Vatican in relation to the limited approval of miraculous events, stating that it has no objection to public devotion of these events. One such order was given for Our Lady of Medjugorje in 2024.

References

References

1. "The America Heritage Dictionary".
2. [http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P2P.HTM Canon 823, section 1]
3. Office of the Archbishop of Denver. (1 January 2015). "Imprimatur Process". [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Denver.
4. (2007-05-04). "Code of Canon Law, canon 832". Intratext.com.
5. (2007-05-04). "Code of Canon Law, canon 824". Intratext.com.
6. Kinstler, Linda. (2024-12-03). "Inside the Vatican’s secret saint-making process". The Guardian.
7. "Saints {{!}} USCCB".
8. "Vatican sees spiritual value of Medjugorje, doesn't judge it supernatural {{!}} USCCB".