(Latin: ex, out; emere, to take; release or freedom)
In canon law, the withdrawal of a physical or moral person or of a place from the jurisdiction of an inferior authority and the immediate subjection of the same to some higher power. The most important example is the freedom of certain religious frqm the jurisdiction of local Ordinaries in all matters save the few expressly mentioned in the law; such religious come under the immediate and exclusive jurisdiction of the pope. This privilege is enjoyed by all regulars, ie., religious with solemn vows; by nuns only when subject to a regular superior. Some congregations with simple vows only, e.g., the Passionists, have obtained the privilege of exemption by special papal indult.
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