Nihil obstat

Nihil obstat (Latin for 'nothing hinders' or 'nothing stands in the way')^[1] is a phrase traditionally used by Catholic Church authorities to formally declare that there is no objection to the publication of a book, or to some other proposed action.

The phrase nihil obstat is used by a Catholic cleric known as a Censor Librorum (Latin for 'censor of books') to indicate that a book contains nothing contrary to Catholic doctrines, faith, or morals.^[1] Canon law requires this approval for the publication of books by faithful Catholics if they "touch upon matters of faith and morals", and requires that pastors enforce this rule.^[2] The Censor Librorum is delegated by a bishop to review the text in question over approximately two months.^[3] If an author is a member of a religious institute, such as a monastery, and the book concerns religion or morals, then canon law further requires the imprimi potest ('it can be printed') of the major superior before publication.^[4] Finally, the bishop of the author's diocese or of the place of publication gives the final approval, the imprimatur ('let it be printed').^[5]

A nihil obstat also refers to the document declaring that someone is free to marry due to lack of form in the previous marriage. It can also refer to a document of dispensation from certain impediments to marriage in the Catholic Church.^{[citation needed]}

• Imprimi permittitur
• Index Librorum Prohibitorum

• Code of Canon Law, The Means of Social Communication and Books in Particular (canons 822-832)
• A Word A Day: nihil obstat