VATICAN CITY: The Vatican has ordered the addition of at least one extra year of studies to programs offering Vatican-authorized degrees in canon law, saying too many students lack the necessary background in theology and Latin. The Congregation for Catholic Education, in a decree approved by Pope John Paul II, said the previous course of studies was judged inadequate in preparing students.

"The juridical formation Of the students did not reach that degree of knowledge of the law of the church that is needed today," said the decree, published Nov. 14. Beginning with the 2003-2004 academic year, universities in Rome and around the world that offer Vatican-authorized degrees will require three years of study for a licentiate degree instead of the current two years.

With a growing number of theology and pastoral courses being offered in seminaries and schools of theology, "an ever decreasing amount of attention and time" is given to Latin and to introductory courses in church law, the decree said.

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