Article 27

Although it belongs to all Catholics, especially to those who excel in doctrine, to denounce pernicious books to Bishops or to the Apostolic See, nevertheless by a special title this pertains to Nuncios, Apostolic Delegates, Ordinaries of places, and Rectors of Universities flourishing in praise of doctrine.

By what law books are to be denounced

100. 1. By this article a new precept does not seem to be established; but an office is recalled which, from charity, can urge the faithful and, from office, can urge those who bear the care of souls, according to the general rules of moral theology.

What, by special title?

2. The words by a special title do not seem definitely to indicate an obligation from office, since Rectors of Universities do not bear pastoral care, but a peculiar reason either of an entrusted duty or of fitness and capacity.

What, an Apostolic Delegate?

3. Apostolic Delegates, in certain regions where a Nuncio of the Pontiff before the civil power is lacking, bear the person of the Pontiff before the faithful and bishops.

Such is the Apostolic Delegate of the Indies, of the Federated States of North America.

To whom books are to be referred

4. Books can be referred to the Bishop or to the Holy See, that is, to the Holy Office, to the Sacred Congregation of the Index, or, from places subject to the Sacred Congregation de Propaganda Fide, to that Congregation, or to the Congregation which can be competent from the special object, such as the Sacred Congregation of Rites in the cause of liturgy or the cult of Saints. Observe that by the Holy Office alone can propositions be "qualified" as heretical, erroneous, etc.

Simple faithful will better refer the cause to the Bishop.