DILATA. – This is the formula of reply used by the Sacred Congregations (v. CONGREGAZIONI PONTIFICI) when, with regard to an appeal, petition, or doubt submitted, it is not possible on the day set for the decision to give either an affirmative or a negative answer, but the matter must be deferred for any reason. This occurs most often when it is considered necessary to complete the evidence, to elucidate some point of law more fully, or to hear another consultor.
The reply d. entails the postponement of the decision, generally without setting a new date (whereas, when the date is established from the day of the postponement, instead of d. the customary reply is iterum proponatur).