Who has the ultimate authority to enact universal canon law?

• A. The Pope, with involvement of the Holy See and the Roman Curia
• B. The Universal Church collectively
• C. The College of Bishops
• D. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

Answer: (D)

The Pope is the source of universal canon law, wielding the supreme, universal ordinary power to legislate for the whole Church. He can enact and promulgate canon law through formal acts such as an apostolic constitution, with the Holy See and the Roman Curia assisting in drafting, advising, and implementing those laws. The College of Bishops participates in governance and can shape shepherding decisions, but it does not independently issue universal canon law. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith handles doctrinal and moral matters and issues guidelines related to faith, not the universal legislative code of the Church. So the ultimate authority to enact universal canon law rests with the Pope, supported by the Holy See and the Curia.