What is the supreme law of the Church?

What is the supreme law of the Church?

• A. Decrees/Precepts/Rescripts
• B. Disciplinary statutes
• C. Salus animarum (salvation of souls)
• D. Dispensations

Answer: (C)

The supreme law of the Church is the salvation of souls. In Catholic tradition, laws and regulations are not ends in themselves but instruments aimed at guiding people toward eternal life with God. That teleology—all canon law being ordered to the salvation of souls—means any rule or discipline exists to serve that ultimate purpose. The phrase salus animarum (the salvation of souls) is a standard way of expressing this principle and is used to interpret and prioritize laws within the Church. The other options refer to types of legal provisions or mechanisms (decrees, disciplinary statutes, dispensations), which are tools, not the end toward which the Church’s law is directed.

The supreme law of the Church is the salvation of souls. In Catholic tradition, laws and regulations are not ends in themselves but instruments aimed at guiding people toward eternal life with God. That teleology—all canon law being ordered to the salvation of souls—means any rule or discipline exists to serve that ultimate purpose. The phrase salus animarum (the salvation of souls) is a standard way of expressing this principle and is used to interpret and prioritize laws within the Church. The other options refer to types of legal provisions or mechanisms (decrees, disciplinary statutes, dispensations), which are tools, not the end toward which the Church’s law is directed.