Tribunal of penance, dispensations, and certain sacramental matters
The Tribunal of the Patriarchal Penitentiary is a judicial and administrative body of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church concerned particularly with penance, indulgences, dispensations, and specified sacramental questions. It ranks above the Florentine Rota and below the Supreme Holy Office.
Its canonical responsibilities include hearing disputes between confessors and penitents; considering dispensations from sacramental impediments where permitted; processing certain requests for release from excommunication, interdict, or censure; maintaining the list of indulgenced acts; and hearing appeals that fall within its special competence. It does not replace the ordinary pastoral ministry of confession.
The tribunal is headed by the Patriarchal Penitentiary Major. When that office is vacant, its duties may be vested in the Supreme Pontiff, who may convene the tribunal as required or reserve its functions to himself.