The word "Dataria" is spelled as [dəˈtɛərɪə], with the stress on the second syllable. This word comes from the Latin word "datarius," which means "a person who distributes." In the Catholic Church, the Dataria was a department responsible for distributing or granting certain ecclesiastical favors, such as dispensations or benefices. The spelling of this word may cause confusion among those unfamiliar with Latin-based terminology, as some may assume it to be spelled as "Dateria."
Dataria refers to a historical and ecclesiastical term that originated from the Latin word "data," meaning "given" or "provided." In the Catholic Church, the dataria was an important office responsible for the management and distribution of various grants, favors, or dispensations that were provided by the pope.
The dataria was typically headed by a cardinal known as the cardinal datary or datarius, who acted as the overseer of the office and held considerable authority and power. The main purpose of the dataria was to oversee the granting of financial or material benefits, such as the provision of money for charitable purposes, the bestowal of privileges or exemptions, and the allocation of funds for religious projects or institutions.
The dataria also played a crucial role in issuing dispensations – exemptions from certain religious or canonical obligations – and grants of indulgences, which were pardons for sins. These dispensations and indulgences were often granted in response to petitions from individuals or institutions seeking specific privileges or exceptions.
Throughout history, the dataria evolved and underwent changes in its functions and structure. With the reorganization of the Roman Curia in 1967, the office of the dataria was incorporated into the newly established Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Thus, the term dataria primarily holds historical significance in the context of the Catholic Church and its administrative practices.
The Papal chancery at Rome from which all bulls are dated and issued.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Dataria" comes from the Latin word "data", which means "given" or "granted". In the context of the Catholic Church, the term "Dataria" refers to the office responsible for the granting of different favors, privileges, or dispensations.