Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur

[Guest Catholic dude]

What's the difference?

[cappie]

The Nihil obstat means roughly "nothing stands in the way" it is usually granted after a book has been cleared by the diocesan censor.

Imprimatur means roughly "Let it be printed" and is granted usually by the bishop or the Vicar General of a diocese.

The Nihil obstat and Imprimatur are a declaration that a book or publication is considered to be free from doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted these agree with the content, opinions or statements expressed.