Vatican documents for preserving the heritage of art and history

Abstract

The Second Vatican Council declared the Cons titution on the Sacred Liturgy (Lat.: Sacrosanctum Consilium”) in 1963. It started the liturgical renewal of the Church. The Second Vatican Council farsaw that during the process of liturgical renewal, a reform of the interior of church buildings would be inevitable. In order to prevent the change of the heritage of religious art and history it promulgated sound and extensive articles regarding the building of new churches and the protection of heritage of art and history preserved in ancient churches (SC 44-46; 121-129). In 1971 “Congregatio pro Clericis” issued “Litterae circulates” for chairmen of national conferences of bishops which supplemented articles of “Sacrosanctum Consilium” paying particular attention to the preservation, registration and ivaluation of treasures of art. The Code of Canon Law newly published in 1983 reiterates laws issued in previous codes which administrate the building of new churches, their ornamenting and articles about the preservation of the ancient historical heritage (can. 821; can. 1216; can. 12922; can. 1317; can 13712). Finally, the Constitution “Pastor bonus” promulgated by Pope John Paul II which reorganized the Roman Curia, established at Congregatio pro Clericis Pontifical Commision for preservation of art and history. This Commission is charged with consulting and assisting local Churches in looking after the cultural heritage. It is obvious that we do have wide and exhaustive documents of the Church which regulate the heritage of art and history.