Pontifical Oriental Institute

Eastern Canon Law

The Pontifical Oriental Institute is home to the only Catholic Faculty of Oriental Canon Law in the world.

The main area of work of this Faculty is the CCEO, which is the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. Teaching and research also include the historical sources of the canons, the philosophy and theology of law, and the study of the various particular laws of the Churches sui iuris.

After completing the Bachelor's degree in Theology (first cycle), students are admitted to the Licentiate (D.C.O.L.).

After completing the Licentiate (second cycle), students can enroll in the Doctoral program (D.C.O.D.).

Those who are interested in deepening a specific topic or having a general knowledge of Eastern Canon Law can enroll in the Diploma in Eastern Canon Law.

If the candidate is unable to complete his or her research and written dissertation by the stipulated dates, he or she may apply to the Dean’s Office for an extension, which may last up to 12 months.

The request for extension must be sent to the Dean’s office no later than the stipulated deadline, which is the five years from the Lectio coram, and must include the following documentation:

  • letter of request and motivation from the doctoral student;
  • letter of approval from the dissertation moderator;
  • text of completed and in-progress chapters.

Submit Your Application

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