Nihil obstat (Latin for "nothing hinders" or "nothing stands in the way")[1] is a phrase traditionally used by Catholic Church authorities to formally declare that there is no objection to the publication of a book, or to some other proposed action.
Nihil obstat (Latin for "nothing hinders" or "nothing stands in the way")[1] is a phrase traditionally used by Catholic Church authorities to formally declare that there is no objection to the publication of a book, or to some other proposed action.
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.[1] 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.[2] The Censor Librorum is delegated by a bishop to review the text in question over approximately two months.[3] 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.[4] Finally, the bishop of the author's diocese or of the place of publication gives the final approval, the imprimatur ("let it be printed").[5]
A nihil obstat also refers to the document declaring that someone is free to marry due to lack of form in the previous marriage. It can also refer to a document of dispensation from certain impediments to marriage in the Catholic Church.