Advocatus Diaboli (Latin):
Noun: A term used in the context of debates, discussions, or legal proceedings to refer to an individual who deliberately takes a contrary or opposing position to challenge or criticise a prevailing belief, argument, or viewpoint. The Advocatus Diaboli, also known as the Devil’s Advocate, assumes the role of a sceptic or doubter, aiming to test the strength and validity of an idea or argument by presenting counterarguments or raising objections. This role is often adopted to encourage critical thinking, uncover potential flaws or weaknesses, and ensure a comprehensive evaluation of a subject matter. The Advocatus Diaboli plays a crucial role in fostering intellectual rigour and promoting a balanced analysis of different perspectives.
Advocatus Diaboli, also known as the Devil’s Advocate, is a term used in the Catholic Church to refer to a person appointed to argue against the canonization of a potential saint. The role of the Advocatus Diaboli is to critically examine the evidence and arguments presented in favour of canonization and present any potential flaws or counterarguments.
The purpose of having an Advocatus Diaboli is to ensure a thorough and rigorous evaluation of the candidate’s life, virtues, and miracles attributed to them. This process helps to prevent hasty or unjustified canonizations and ensures that only individuals who truly meet the criteria for sainthood are recognised as such.
The Advocatus Diaboli is typically a member of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, a Vatican body responsible for overseeing the canonization process. Their role is to provide a balanced and objective assessment of the evidence, often raising objections or doubts that need to be addressed before a final decision is made.
While Advocatus Diaboli’s arguments are taken into consideration, they do not have the final say in the canonization process. The ultimate decision rests with the Pope, who considers all the evidence and recommendations before making a determination.
In recent years, the role of the Advocatus Diaboli has been modified, and the process of canonization has been streamlined. However, the principle of critical examination and the need for a balanced evaluation of the evidence remain important aspects of the canonization process in the Catholic Church.
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This glossary post was last updated: 11th April 2024.
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