About the author
Cathy Caridi, J.C.L., is an American canon lawyer who practices law and teaches in Rome. She founded this website to provide clear answers to canonical questions asked by ordinary Catholics, without employing all the mysterious legalese that canon lawyers know and love.
In the past Cathy has published articles both in scholarly journals and on various popular Catholic websites, including Real Presence Communications and Catholic Exchange.
Habemus Papam! From the moment he accepted his election, Pope Francis had supreme, full, immediate and universal ordinary power in the Church (cc. 331, 332.1).
- canonlawmadeeasy@yahoo.com
Topics
Category Archives: Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics
What is the Pauline Privilege?
Q: I have heard of something called the “Pauline Privilege.” I gather that, based on Saint Paul’s words in I Corinthians, it means that if I left my wife before I was baptized, she could have been allowed to re-marry? … Continue reading
Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Marriage
Tagged canon law, Catholic, indisollubility, marriage, pauline privilege
Can a Baby be Baptized Against the Parents’ Wishes?
This column was already written, and set for publication, before Pope Benedict’s resignation announcement on Monday. The next column–to be published a week from today, hopefully–will address issues pertaining to the upcoming conclave. Q: Some Jewish people in my city complained to … Continue reading
Posted in Baptism, Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics
Tagged baptism, canon law, Catholic, unbaptized
If a Catholic Marries a Non-Christian, How is it a Sacrament?
Q: An unbaptized person can’t receive any of the other sacraments unless he gets baptized first, right? So how is it possible for a Catholic to marry a non-Christian in a Catholic ceremony? I don’t see how the non-Christian spouse … Continue reading
Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Marriage
Tagged canon law, Catholic, marriage, non-Christian
The Validity of Anglican Holy Orders
Q: Everyone says that in the near future lots of Episcopalians, including some of their clergy, are going to become Catholics. I’ve read some comments in the papers by members of their clergy who want to become Catholic priests. I … Continue reading
Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Clergy Issues, Holy Orders
Tagged Anglican, canon law, Catholic, holy orders, ordination
Episcopalians Entering the Catholic Church
Q: I didn’t understand the purpose of the Pope’s document last year on Episcopalians becoming Catholics. I mean, every year there are always some Episcopalians who convert, aren’t there? So did the Pope say something new? –Jim A: Yes, very … Continue reading
Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Clergy Issues
Tagged Anglican, canon law, Catholic, convert, Episcopal
