The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (Latin: Congregatio pro Doctrina Fidei, C.D.F.) is the oldest among the nine congregations of the Roman Curia. It was founded to defend the church from heresy; today, it is the body responsible for promulgating and defending Catholic doctrine. Formerly known as the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition, it is informally known in many Catholic countries as the Holy Office (i.e.