Which of the following cases are reserved to the Holy See?

• A. They can be handled by the local diocese without Holy See involvement.
• B. They are strictly internal to a parish level.
• C. They require direct Holy See intervention rather than diocesan handling.
• D. They are limited to minor disciplinary matters.

Answer: (C)

In canon law, certain cases are reserved to the Holy See, meaning they fall under the Pope’s direct authority and cannot be decided by a local bishop or diocesan tribunal. This reservation exists to maintain unity and consistent discipline across the universal Church, especially in matters that affect the Church as a whole rather than a single diocese. Examples include situations like the appointment or removal of bishops, the creation or suppression of dioceses, and the approval or dissolution of major religious institutes or orders, as well as other issues that have broad ecclesial impact. Because these cases require papal oversight to ensure universal governance, they cannot be handled at the local diocesan level. Therefore, describing these matters as requiring direct Holy See intervention rather than diocesan handling is the correct understanding. The other options imply local, parish, or minor matters, which do not involve the Holy See’s exclusive competence.