Nihil obstat


Nihil obstat is a declaration of no objection that warrants censoring of a book, e.g., Roman Catholic published books, to an initiative, or an appointment.

Publishing

The phrase nihil obstat is used by a cleric, of the Roman Catholic Church, known as a Censor Librorum, to indicate that a book contains nothing contrary to Roman Catholic doctrines, faith, or morals. 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. The Censor librorum is delegated by a bishop of the Roman Catholic Church. The Censor Librorum reviews the text in question. If an author is a member of a religious institute, and if the book concerns religion or morals, then canon law requires obtaining the imprimi potest of the major superior before publication. The bishop of the author's diocese or of the place of publication gives the final approval by the declaration known as the imprimatur.

Marriage

A nihil obstat also refers 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.