Welcome to the Catholic Theological Faculty (Czech abbr. KTF), one of the founding faculties of today’s Charles University, the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic and the first university in Central Europe (founded in 1348).

Since this time the faculty has been a vibrant and diverse place of research. In spite of dramatic historical events including the persecution by the Nazi and communist regimes, the faculty has always provided the platform for those searching for academic excellence while simultaneously fulfilling its mission of educating Catholic priests. It was the first faculty in the world, which established the Department of Fundamental Theology and the third in the world incorporating the Department of Liturgics into its structure.

With respect to all faiths and perspectives, it is a centre of learning, teaching and research in the areas of theology, ethics and the history of Christian art and European culture. Every year, the faculty hosts international conferences, public debates or cultural events.

Due to its focus on specific research areas related to Christian thinking, art and culture, the faculty assembles close groups of students and researchers. Thanks to that its atmosphere is open, friendly and family-like.

Organization

Charles University does not have one joint campus. The academic facilities occupy many locations throughout the city of Prague and three of the faculties are located in other cities (two of them in Hradec Králové, one in Pilsen). The historical main building from the 14th century called Carolinum is situated in the Old Town of Prague and constitutes the university's center. It is the seat of the rector and of the Academic Senate of Charles University. Carolinum is also the venue for official academic ceremonies such as matriculations or graduations.

Legal Status

In accordance with The Universities Act No. 111/1998 Sb., KTF is a legal entity within Charles University. This act, the internal statutes of the university and the internal statutes of the Faculty are the legal basis for its operation. The Roman Catholic Church also exercises its right to instruct its spiritual and lay people (§ 6 art. 3 ltr. a) Freedom of religion, statute of church and religious groups Act No. 3/2002 Sb.). From a canonical standpoint, KTF has the status of “a church faculty (facultas ecclesiastica)”; its activity is defined by the 1983 Canon Law Code, the Apostolic Constitution of John Paul II Sapientia Christiana dated April 15, 1979 with attached guidelines (Ordinationes), and other ordinations from the Vatican.