sacerdotale

Sacerdotale is an Italian term used as both an adjective and a noun to denote anything pertaining to the priesthood or to priests. As an adjective, it describes attributes, roles, or institutions associated with the clerical office; as a noun it can refer to the body of priests, or to the priestly office itself. The term derives from Latin sacerdotalis, from sacerdos "priest".

In Catholic theology, the term encompasses the concept of the presbyterate (the order or college of priests) and the priestly function within the sacramental life of the church. Ordination to the priesthood is described as conferring a sacred character that enables a priest to celebrate the Eucharist, administer the sacraments, and exercise pastoral governance. The sacerdotale dimension is typically distinguished from, but inseparable from, the diaconal and episcopal orders within the threefold ministry.

In other Christian traditions, the word may be used in a similar sense to denote priestly authority and rites, though practices and understandings of priestly authority can vary widely. In some ecumenical and polemical contexts, the term is also encountered in discussions of sacerdotalism, the view that certain sacraments or spiritual powers reside exclusively in the ordained clergy.

Overall, sacerdotale reflects the long-standing association between priesthood, liturgy, and sacramental life in Christian ecclesial vocabulary.