dividimus

Dividimus is a rarely used Latin phrase that originates from the Roman Catholic Church. Literally translating to "we divide," the term is associated with a law that allows the Pope to divide a diocese or ecclesiastical territory between two or more dioceses. Historically, this law was invoked to address issues related to the size or geography of a particular diocese.

The use of Dividimus dates back to the 7th century, when it was first employed by Pope Honorius to divide the Diocese of Perusia. The law has since been used on several occasions to reorganize diocesan boundaries. The underlying premise behind Dividimus is that when a diocese becomes too large, impractically large, or geographically dispersed, it may be necessary to divide it to better serve the spiritual needs of the faithful.

The application of Dividimus requires the approval of the Pope, who considers factors such as the number of Catholics, economic realities, and travel needs for effective pastoral care. While the ultimate goal of the law is to provide more efficient administrative divisions and improve the spiritual life of Catholics, its implementation has been the subject of various church controversies throughout history.

In modern times, the declaration of Dividimus is often accompanied by the establishment of a new diocese. In some cases, it has been associated with changes to existing diocesan boundaries or the appointment of new bishops. Despite its relatively niche significance, the term Dividimus continues to be recognized within the context of Catholic Church history and canon law.