Holy See declares unique copyright on Papal figure

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Comments: 46

Vatican City, Dec 19, 2009 / 12:23 pm (CNA).- The Vatican made a declaration on the protection of the figure of the Pope on Saturday morning. The statement seeks to establish and safeguard the name, image and any symbols of the Pope as being expressly for official use of the Holy See unless otherwise authorized.

The statement cited a "great increase of affection and esteem for the person of the Holy Father" in recent years as contributing to a desire to use the Pontiff's name for all manner of educational and cultural institutions, civic groups and foundations.

Due to this demand, the Vatican has felt it necessary to declare that "it alone has the right to ensure the respect due to the Successors of Peter, and therefore, to protect the figure and personal identity of the Pope from the unauthorized use of his name and/or the papal coat of arms for ends and activities which have little or nothing to do with the Catholic Church."

The declaration alludes to attempts to use ecclesiastical or pontifical symbols and logos to "attribute credibility and authority to initiatives" as another reason to establish their “copyright” on the Holy Father's name, picture and coat of arms.

"Consequently, the use of anything referring directly to the person or office of the Supreme Pontiff... and/or the use of the title 'Pontifical,' must receive previous and express authorization from the Holy See," concluded the message released to the press.

Comments: 46

Subscriber comments:

Published by: maría alexandra mosquera
Bogotá,Colombia 03/31/2010 11:34 AM EST

Es institucionalizar lo que por respeto y sentido común todos debemos hacer con cualquier persona, no se trata solamente del Papa. Algunas de las personas que comentan sugieren que detrás de esto hay beneficios económicos, cuando lo único que se quiere es solicitar un permiso por respeto, eso es todo.

Published by: Lee
USA 03/10/2010 12:16 AM EST

Some of these replies are funny (I hope they meant to be) but some commenters seem to be genuinely antagonized by the article, so much so that I feel compelled to add a few words myself. There are already enough books, publishers, teachings, groups, organizations, etc, claiming to be Catholic. Putting an image of the Holy Father on one's own product, whatever that product might be, implies papal consent and approval. It's not about money, it's about not passing off one's own views as official Catholic truth. A papal stamp of approval carries a great deal of weight to a faithful Catholic. To use it without consent is dishonest and misleading. The action the See is taking seems reasonable enough to me.

Published by: Lonnie
Kissimmee, Florida 01/10/2010 02:08 PM EST

People, People, People, I guess you don't get the bigger picture. Holy father, in the dignity of His office must protect it from misuse. By those who would imply papal approval, misleading and manipulating. Not only those who do follow the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church, but those who do not, especially, could be handed a potentially misguided impression of the truth which the Church is and offers. This is another way for Holy Father, and those who care for our souls, to protect not only us, but those who do not profess our faith. This will help to curtail ingnorace, educate, and will work against the forces of the dark from doing its bidding. Kuddos to Holy Father, and the Vatican, for again standing for what is good and noble. Christ our Lord. Amen

Published by: T.Pedersen
Denmark 12/29/2009 12:24 PM EST

I just wonder if the catholics is gonna do as the muslims when we published the "Muhammed drawings" if we make a drawing of the Pope?

Published by: ugg boots
chain 12/27/2009 01:30 AM EST

The title may be wrong: it says "copyright", but judging from the text it should be "trademark"?

Published by: Dezmondo
Australia 12/26/2009 06:27 PM EST

Surely religion is Public domain, and anything attached to it is Public domain, {For all the people} Or has it now become a business?

Published by: Funesto
Portugal 12/26/2009 02:27 PM EST

The Church should respect the original 10 commandments that condemn the use of idols, statues, and other material objects of cult. Respect the explicit Iconoclasm in the Hebraic scriptures.

Published by: rachel ray flat belly diet
india 12/23/2009 07:38 AM EST

I see a Papal action figure coming soon.

Published by: Joe Fogey
Fogey Heights 12/22/2009 05:12 AM EST

So we should now refer to the Pope™?

Published by: Patte
Tempe, AZ USA 12/22/2009 01:32 AM EST

Perhaps Protestants have the best system: only one church at a time is tainted by its clergy's sexual crimes. How does the Catholic community reconcile the Pope's knowledge of and responsibility for so much abuse? Ireland is just the latest mess on a worldwide stage of repeated crimes. How do individuals resolve the questions of infallibility, divinity and lack of corrective measures? When will Reason prevail over indoctrination? When will Catholics say "Enough if Enough"?

Published by: Robert Smits
Ladysmith/BC/Canada 12/22/2009 01:14 AM EST

The very idea is ludicrous. You simply cannot copyright comment about a public figure. Even Trademarks wouldn't seem to apply since no one has ever defended them. And what about all the other uses of the word Pope - like Pope Motorcycles, or someone whose last name is Pope with some kind of business - Like Trevor Pope, who apparently has an auto dealership. They'll learn very quickly the difference between making an out rageous suggestion their sycophants need to pat attention to and one that no one else will give a fig about. Is he descended from King Canute?

Published by: TL Winslow
Denver, Colo. USA 12/21/2009 11:25 PM EST

Aha, so it was about money all along? Maybe Jesus can come back and override their copyright :) What about the "papas" of other religions? Will there be a land rush?

Published by: diane
Dallas, Texas, USA 12/21/2009 07:22 PM EST

This sounds like a good effort, even if just a first step, to try to protect the papacy and its symbols from degradation and misuse.

Published by: Romatt
England 12/21/2009 06:43 PM EST

Maybe they are trying to protect him from war crime prosecution.

Published by: Michelle Potter
Houston, Texas, USA 12/21/2009 05:58 PM EST

I can't understand what all the hullabaloo is about. Other than an incorrect use of the word "copyright," which at most merits a gentle correction, I don't see any problem here. The Pope isn't saying you can't talk about him, he just doesn't want his name or image being co-opted for organizations or initiatives unless he's actually involved in or approves of said organizations or initiatives. Who can blame him? I mean, you can't start up a Michael J. Fox School for Actors without Mr. Fox's permission. Previous commenters argued that this request by the Pope would be unenforceable. Isn't that obvious? I went to bed early last night, but I'm pretty sure the Pope wasn't elected to any international law making body while I was asleep. Just like everything that comes from the Vatican, this is not legally binding and isn't going to be forced on non-Catholics around the world. I'm not a Catholic, so I have no clue just how binding a "declaration" is on those in the Church, but I'm certain no one is going to be carting the congregation off to prison, just as I am certain good Catholics everywhere will respect the Pope's wishes. Personally, though I am not Catholic, I think this is a perfectly reasonable request, and I have no problem respecting it, either. Of course, I don't really have any desire to name anything after the Pope, but if I did, I don't mind asking first.

Published by: Veronique
Scotland 12/21/2009 04:41 PM EST

What a silly move. It makes the Catholic Church look more like Islam with its hysterical reaction to any image or naming of their prophet. Totally unenforceable and pathetic. Don't ever makes rules unless they are enforceable - otherwise your organisation will lose even more credibility than it has already for other reasons. Not that I mind of course. Just injecting a bit of outside sense here.

Published by: Tony
Post Falls 12/21/2009 04:02 PM EST

Microsoft was able to copyright Windows

Published by: Ivan
London, UK 12/21/2009 03:32 PM EST

After all these years, the church has finally revealed a truth. You are nothing more than a business.

Published by: Raligan
Altus 12/21/2009 02:36 PM EST

So long as this is for the protection of Catholics from deception and not an attack on free-speech (a la the dutch cartoonist), I'm all for this, and a wise decision indeed.

Published by: Darcy
Canada 12/21/2009 02:30 PM EST

I wonder if they will try to use the law to copywrite the cross; the crucifix; the words "god" and "jesus". Does the vatican plan to use the powerful arm of the law to prevent people from desecrating these most holy of images and references. I wonder if they are following the lead of muslim leaders? I wonder if my comment will be published or if the CNA will decide it is too "defamatory".

Published by: Pope Spoonfork VI
Oakland, CA 12/21/2009 01:53 PM EST

i am a discordian pope, infallible and a true holy see. once again, the catholics try to wage a crusade against us, but we will not be silenced. we, the discordians, are the only true seat of pontifical power on this earthly realm.

Published by: Lsuoma
Redmond/WA/US 12/21/2009 01:25 PM EST

Another arrogant and stupid act from the Vatican. As we have all come to expect...

Published by: Merle
USA 12/21/2009 01:24 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

That's a little funny...but given that the Pope has been around for, what, something more than 1500 years, wouldn't any reasonable copyright have expired centuries ago? This will inevitably get laughed out of any court I've ever heard of.

Published by: Aaron
Florida, US 12/21/2009 12:36 PM EST

almost completely unenforceable though ...

Published by: Kathryn Schutz
Oklahoma, USA 12/21/2009 12:26 PM EST

Good luck! They don't stand a chance. The Pope is a public figure. Look at the malice and venom and outright lies and speculation aimed at Public Figures, and see what the Press can do in the name of freedom of the Press -- and what has been done to Popes past and present.

Published by: Francis Pimentel-Pinto
Hook, Hampshire, United Kingdom 12/21/2009 11:54 AM EST

If money is involved then the Pope should be ashamed of this move.

Published by: Leo Petr
Canada 12/21/2009 11:35 AM EST

Rate: Very Good

Dear Holy See, Please learn the difference between trademarks and copyrights. Yours, Heathen Unbeliever

Published by: Yeah Right
USA 12/21/2009 10:56 AM EST

From Wikipedia: "(from Latin: "papa" or "father" from Greek πάππας, pappas)". You can't copyright a word like that. You can establish a trademark, except that it's been around for so long that it hasn't been defended and really has become generic like kleenex or bandaid. Not likely to fly very well.

Published by: jim
sheffield 12/21/2009 09:57 AM EST

You can't copyright a likeness of a person. at least, you can't in the UK.

Published by: Martin Hutton
Woodbury, CT, USA 12/21/2009 09:37 AM EST

The Holy See has very little chance of enforcing this "copyright", because "the Holy Father's name, picture and coat of arms" have been used by many organisations for reporting, instruction, satire, ridicule, defamation, and profit without any action from the Holy See for many years (I have seen papal action figures for sale...including those of both previous and the current Holy Fathers). Therefore, a good defense against copyright litigation would be a claim of "within the public domain". Of course the Holy See could redesign all such symbolism and claim copyright on the new designs. Just be sure to do them absolutely fabulously...coats of arms by Saatchi & Saatchi, robes by Escada, accessories by Prada. Martin

Published by: Jon
Ft Myers 12/21/2009 09:06 AM EST

Maybe the Legionaries and Regnum Christi will now stop appropriating Pope John Paul II in almost every document they issue.

Published by: DuckPhup
USA 12/21/2009 08:30 AM EST

Dang. I guess that means that Father Guido Sarducci's "Pope-on-a-rope" soap is right out the window now, unless he is able to negotiate some kind of licensing arrangement... unless it can be 'grandfathered' in. Oh... an after thought. Does this mean that using His Holiness' image is now a sin? Mortal or venial? How many 'Hail Marys' will it take to return to a state of grace?

Published by: Actinolite
Canada 12/21/2009 08:06 AM EST

Copyright is defined differently in each country, and what one country considers copyrighted may not be in another country. No country will recognize such a 'copyright' claim anywhere but inside the Vatican. Anyone who does not live in the Vatican can ignore any such 'copyright' claims.

Published by: Rikaishi
Australia 12/21/2009 07:52 AM EST

From Wikipedia: "Pope (Greek: παπάς (papas); Latin: papa: an affectionate diminutive for father) is a religious title traditionally accorded to the Bishop of Alexandria and the Bishop of Rome, as well as several other religious figures. Pope is also a surname, and has been used as a place name." Sorry, not invented by the Catholic church, so the church has no right to reserve the exclusive use of the word. Except within the sovereign borders of Vatican city of course. Disclaimer: This is merely my own, unprofessional, opinion.

Published by: Eric
USA 12/21/2009 07:40 AM EST

Please check sources. Is this really "copyright" as the headline states? It seems more likely that this is a trademark claim, not a copyright claim. Copyright makes little sense in this context.

Published by: Lisa
US 12/21/2009 07:20 AM EST

Did Catholic News Agency receive prior express authorization from the Vatican before writing this article? If not, then they are in violation of the so-called 'unique copyright.' Which tells you how useless this declaration really is and how it will be completely unenforceable within the fair use realm. Which basically makes this a standard trademark law issue, which makes the declaration wholly unnecessary.

Published by: Roger Migently
Sydney/NSW/Australia 12/21/2009 03:52 AM EST

I suggest he go forth and multiply.

Published by: Brendan
Pittsburgh, PA 12/21/2009 03:41 AM EST

The PopeMobile®. Hat-of-Pope®. Tickle me Pope.®

Published by: Chris
UK 12/21/2009 03:33 AM EST

Though there may be some justification for symbols, there is none for images of the pope. If I were ever in the unlikely postition of infringing this copyright I would simply point out that copyright is for creative works. I would offer to capitulate if the church were to say that the position of the Pope was a creative work. If they believed that the appointment was from God then they do not hold the copyright. I can guess the outcome. Incidentally I think this is a big mistake; I can see the headlines "Catholic Church follows in the footsteps of Scientology.

Published by: Emilis
Lithuania 12/21/2009 03:19 AM EST

The title may be wrong: it says "copyright", but judging from the text it should be "trademark"?

Published by: Tony
USA 12/20/2009 11:57 PM EST

And yet, how many times has this "copyright" already been violated in this very article? The Vatican made a declaration which does not give authorization in the form of express written consent for the six violations that I see and I'm not counting what was in quotes...

Published by: GreenReaper
Northville, MI, USA 12/20/2009 11:41 PM EST

If the Holy See wishes to protect its intellectual property, it is welcome to apply for copyright and trademark registration worldwide, just like everyone else. I'm sure they can afford it.

Published by: derk
Livermore, CA, USA 12/20/2009 11:18 PM EST

Good. Should have done that centuries ago, but glad this pope finally got that done.

Published by: mark
byron center, mi.,usa 12/20/2009 12:48 PM EST

The Church should also trademark the name " Catholic ". This would prevent groups or publications that distort or promote dissention from Catholic teaching the credability which the name might give.

Published by: John Izbicki
Kent, UK 12/20/2009 11:47 AM EST

I think the Vatican has gone too far in its protection of the P**e (you see, one needs to tread carefully, as I have not obtained permission to use the name of the H**y F***er and might be breaking copyright regulations!) Youngsters in Belfast who paint "Down with the P**e" on a wall could be arrested, not for issuing an insult but because they have broken copyright.

Published by: Rinda
UK 12/19/2009 05:45 PM EST

Rate: Regular

That is a wise move by The Holy See.

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