Canon 505

1. An order is of pontifical right if it is erected by the

Apostolic See or recognized as such by a decree of the same; of

patriarchal right, if it has not obtained the decree of recognition from the Apostolic See. 2. A congregation is: (1) of

pontifical right, if it is erected by the Apostolic See or recognized as such by a decree of the same; (2) of patriarchal right

if, erected by the patriarch or recognized as such by his decree,

and it has not obtained a decree of recognition from the Apostolic See; (3) of eparchial right if, erected by the eparchial

bishop, and it has not obtained a decree of recognition from the

Apostolic See or from the patriarch. 3. An order or a congregation is called clerical when, on account of the object or purpose intended by the founder or in virtue of lawful custom, under

the direction of presbyters, it exercises the ministry proper to

sacred orders, and is recognized as such by ecclesiastical authority.