**CANONICO** – 1. For the origin of the term and the development of institutions in the first millennium, see **CANONICI REGOLARI DI S. AGOSTINO**.
In 1059 Nicholas II sought to reduce canons to a common life and to restore the community of Church goods, but it was a difficult task that did not succeed everywhere, hence the distinction between regular canons and secular canons. In the 13th century, the canons of the cathedral church formed a distinct category within the clergy of the episcopal city.
2. Here we consider secular canons. Canons and dignities constitute the essential element of a Chapter. The *Codex Iuris Canonici* (CIC) distinguishes two main types of canons: *canonici simpliciter* (simple canons) and *canonici titulares* or *canonici ad honorem* (honorary canons) (can. 406, § 3).
3. *Canonici titulares* are members of the Chapter and hold a true benefice that grants them the right to suitable resources; a special concession from the Holy See is required to establish canonries without attached emoluments (can. 393, § 3). The number of canons must be sufficient to ensure the decorous celebration of divine worship and the dignity of the church (can. 394, § 3). The number is fixed once and for all in so-called "numbered Chapters," i.e., those with a determined number: in such Chapters, there are as many prebendaries as there are prebends (can. 394, § 1). In non-numbered Chapters, the number is not fixed, and it is the bishop’s responsibility, after consulting the Chapter, to determine how many members the benefice revenues can support decently (can. 394, § 1).
4. In the 18th century, France introduced the practice of appointing *canonici onorari* (honorary canons) to ecclesiastics to whom bishops wished to show particular consideration. They have no obligation to attend choir or observe residence, nor can they claim any canonical prebend or the right to vote (active or passive) in Chapter assemblies. In effect, they are not members of the Chapter. The right to appoint honorary canons, whether diocesan or extra-diocesan, belongs exclusively to the bishop, who must seek the Chapter’s opinion and exercise this right rarely and with caution (can. 406, § 1). To appoint an extra-diocesan priest as an honorary canon, the bishop must not only consult his Chapter but also obtain, under penalty of nullity, the consent of the priest’s Ordinary and inform him of the insignia and privileges the new canon may use (can. 406, § 2). The number of honorary canons residing outside the diocese cannot exceed two-thirds of the titular canons (can. 406, § 3).
Honorary canons of a basilica or collegiate church in Rome may use their insignia and privileges only within that church and its dependencies. Honorary canons of all other churches outside Rome may use their insignia within their diocese and exceptionally outside it, as titular canons do. In addition to honorary rights, they are entitled to a stall in the choir (can. 407, §§ 1, 2).
5. The term *canonici soprannumerari* refers to canons who exceed the established number and consequently lack a prebend in so-called "closed" or numbered Chapters. They are true canons with the right to a stall in the choir, a voice in Chapter, and daily distributions, and they are obliged to attend divine service.
Those who hold a prebend in a collegiate church may obtain from the Holy See—exclusively—a merit-based indult, known as an *indulto di giubilazione*, after forty years of laudable service in the choir, either in the same church or in distinct churches of the same city or at least the same diocese (can. 422, § 1). *Canonici gisdidati* (canons enjoying a benefice) receive the revenues of their prebend and daily distributions even if they do not reside at the place of their benefice, though they are dispensed from altar service (can. 422, § 2); however, they do not enjoy the right of option where it exists (can. 422, § 3).
We may also note *canonici coadiutori*, whom the Pope assigns to canons who, due to age or health, are unable to fulfill their office. Generally, they possess the spiritual and temporal powers of the canons they assist but have no right to the prebend or obligation of residence or attendance at divine service.
6. It is the bishop’s prerogative to confer all canonries, after consulting the Chapter, unless their collation is reserved to the Holy See or the foundation charter assigns this right to others. The bishop will confer this title only on priests distinguished by learning and integrity of life (can. 404, § 1); all else being equal, he will take into account the degree of Doctor in Theology or Canon Law or merits acquired in ministry or teaching.
Canons must take possession of their benefice in accordance with cann. 1443–45 and make a profession of faith in accordance with cann. 1406–1408. After taking possession, they may use their insignia and privileges, occupy a stall in the choir, and receive the fruits of their benefice (can. 405, §§ 1, 2).
7. Among the principal duties of canons are choir service and residence. All who hold a choral benefice are bound to the daily recitation of the Divine Office in choir. Alternating service (*servitium per turnum*) is legitimate if authorized by the Chapter’s foundation law or by the Holy See (can. 414). Canonical office includes the chanting of the canonical hours, the conventual Mass, and other Masses to be celebrated according to the rubrics of the Missal or by pious foundations (can. 413, §§ 2, 3).
Chapter members are bound to reside at the place of their benefice and may enjoy only a limited period of vacation, which, for canons bound to choir, must not exceed three months per year, whether continuous or divided (can. 418, § 1). A legitimate cause and special permission from the bishop are required for absences during Lent and Advent or on the most solemn feasts of the year (can. 418, § 3). During vacations, they receive only the revenues of their prebend.
8. Canons have the right to wear a distinctive habit and insignia, which may include the rochet, the mozzetta, the cappa magna, a ring, and sometimes a pectoral cross. The canonical habit must be worn in choir and may be worn throughout the diocese; outside the diocese, it may be worn only by those accompanying the bishop or representing the Chapter at councils or other solemnities (can. 409, §§ 1, 2).
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