8. The Method of Examination.
Our confidence in the fairness of the verdicts of the S. Congregation of the Index will be much increased, if we acquaint ourselves with the method it follows in carrying [29] ]out its arduous, odious and yet very important task. This method is practically the same for both the Holy Office and the Index. The usual procedure is based mainly on the regulations laid down in the Bull of Pope Benedict XIV, “Sollicita ac provida.”
When a book is reported to the Index Congregation, the secretary first tries to ascertain whether it is worth examining. He also inquires by letter from bishops and other reliable persons about the advisability of a condemnation. Several consultors assist him in this preliminary investigation; but the Cardinal Prefect has to ratify their decision.
If they think the book should be examined, it is handed to a consultor, who has to study it carefully and to draw up a detailed report, noting exactly the passages which he finds objectionable, and conscientiously pointing out all redeeming features. His report together with the book is passed on to other consultors, each of whom can thus satisfy himself whether the first “examiner’s” verdict is fair, and has [30] ]also an opportunity to formulate his own view. One question they have to answer is, whether the condemnation is likely to have a good effect.
After comparing the opinions of the consultors, the secretary of the Congregation draws up an official statement of the reasons for and against a prohibition, which statement together with the book is submitted to the Cardinal Prefect, by whose orders it is printed and a copy sent to each cardinal and consultor of the Congregation.
Next a preparatory meeting of the consultors is called for a previous discussion. The consultor who examined the book speaks first, then all the others, beginning with the youngest. The secretary carefully records the views of each consultor, together with his reasons.
At least ten days must elapse between this meeting and the solemn session of the whole Congregation, in which the question is finally decided by a vote of the cardinals.
The decision arrived at is commonly given in one of these four technical phrases: [31] ]Damnetur, “condemned”; dimittatur, “dismissed”; donec corrigatur, “forbidden until amended”; res dilata, “the case is postponed.” The verdict donec corrigatur of course, can only be given when a book admits of correction; when it is thoroughly bad (e. g. written for the sole purpose of eulogizing Freemasonry or maligning Catholic bishops), a donec corrigatur would have no meaning.
Finally, the secretary of the Congregation lays the whole matter before the Pope, who, if he sees fit, authorizes the publication of the decree.
Nobody will deny that this is a very excellent method of procedure. Under it a book is examined at least three times, and twenty-five or thirty picked scholars participate in the proceedings, each of whom has taken a solemn oath never to allow himself to be influenced by sympathy or antipathy and to have nothing in view but the eternal welfare of souls.
If the author is a Catholic, he must be informed before the decree is published. If but a few copies of the book have been [32] ]sold, and the author promises either to suppress it, or to issue an amended edition, if possible, the decree is not published. But even when this cannot be prevented, e. g. when a whole edition is already in circulation, credit is given to the author in the decree itself for declaring his submission, by adding the words: auctor laudabiliter se subjecit, “the author has praiseworthily submitted.”
Great care is taken to have all books examined by men who are not only well versed in the subject matter, but who also understand thoroughly the language in which they happen to be written. Nor does the Congregation in important cases confine itself to its regular consultors; whenever it seems advisable, the services of other competent critics are enlisted.
All the members of the Congregation are bound by oath to keep absolute secrecy with regard to every detail of the official transactions, no matter whether a book under discussion is finally condemned or not. By this means each feels more free in [33] ]giving his opinion, and the reputation of the author is spared as long and as much as possible.