proper noun / noun
curia
KYOOR-ee-uh/ˈkjʊriə/
An official body exercising administrative or judicial power.
The Roman Curia helps the pope administer the Catholic Church.
Etymology
Latin curia named a court and Rome's senate-house. The term was transferred to the papal court, giving the Church's governing administration its name.
In context
The Roman curia, the administrative apparatus of the church, became a nest of corruption.
More examples
- The bishop consults his curia before announcing the new policy.
- She works in the diocesan curia, handling financial records.
- The royal curia advised the king and heard legal disputes.
Forms
curia · curiae · curias
curial adjective — Relating to a curia or court.
Similar words
- administration
- A broader term for officials who manage an institution.
- council
- An advisory or governing assembly, not necessarily a church administration.
- court
- Emphasizes judicial authority rather than the full range of administrative duties.