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.
9. The Spirit of the Congregation of the Index.
As to the spirit that should actuate the members of the Congregation of the Index, the rules laid down for its consultors by Benedict XIV in the Bull “Sollicita ac provida” are instructive.
“Ipsos ... monemus ac vehementer hortamur ut in examine iudicioque librorum sequentes regulas diligenter inspiciant accurateque custodiant.” “We wish to admonish and exhort them most urgently to study carefully and observe accurately the following rules for examining and judging books:
1. Let them not imagine that it is their duty to use every means to bring about the condemnation of the books submitted to them. They ought rather to study such books conscientiously, without passion or anxiety (sedato animo), in order to [34] ]furnish such well-found observations, such objective reasons, as will enable the Congregation to pass a just verdict.