The Holy Apostolic Penitentiary has its headquarters in the Palace of the Chancellery, in Rome. He is in charge of matters of conscience as well as the administration of indulgences. At the end of the thirteenth century, its origins date back to the cardinal entrusted with receiving confessions by the pope (cardinals qui confesiones pro papa recipit), that is, he who treats all matters of conscience, both internal (even outside of sacramental confession) and external ones. This cardinal, sometimes called pœnitentiarius (penitentiary), is assisted by the penitentiary chaplains, one for each of the major basilicas of Rome. The Penitentiary was remodeled deeply by Pius V in 1569, Benedict XIV in 1744 and Pius X who reduced his powers to the internal jurisdiction.
The prerogatives of the present Penitentiary are the work of Benedict XV who added the section of indulgences.
Today the penitentiary is headed by a cardinal prefect, the major penitentiary, assisted by a regent, two officers and a council of prelates. Its current structure and functions were regulated by Pope John Paul II through the apostolic constitution Pastor Bonus. Notes
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