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Canon lawyers are not responsible for the content of canon law. The Supreme Legislator is. Only Pope Francis can change the Code of Canon Law, so if you're not happy with what the law says, please take it up with him.
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Tag Archives: Pope Francis
Removing a Bishop From His Diocese: The Case of Bishop Strickland
Q: I don’t need to tell you, practically the whole Catholic world is looking at the removal of Bishop Strickland from [his diocese of] Tyler, [Texas,] and wondering what happened and why. From the perspective of canon law, what did … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions, The Pope
Tagged Bishop Strickland, canon law, Catholic, delict, Pope Francis
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Does an Excommunicated Priest Administer Valid Sacraments? (Part I)
Q: I was confirmed as an adult convert by a priest who had faculties to do so. Recently, I have noticed that this priest has voiced his personal opinions about Pope Francis that are arguably schismatic. For example, that the … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions
Tagged canon law, Catholic, excommunicated, Pope Francis, priest, schism
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Founding New Religious Institutes: Pope Francis Changes the Law (Episcopal Authority, Part II)
Q: A group of us Catholics in our diocese have a lawfully erected lay institute that’s now almost 15 years old … [and] from the beginning it was our understanding that if it prospers, it might later be formed into … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Other Canonical Questions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, diocesan right, pontifical right, Pope Francis, religious institute
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Pope Francis’ Letter to the Priests of Rome, on Ministry During the Pandemic
Dear Readers, A number of people have asked about Pope Francis’ March 13 letter to the priests of Rome, which was mentioned briefly in “Do Bishops Have the Authority to Cancel Masses Completely?” It appears that this letter has not … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Rights of the Faithful, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, churches, pandemic, Pope Francis, priests, Rome
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Sex-Abuse Scandals and Papal Responsibility
Q: What can we do, as lay faithful, to remove bad clergy from office? My guess is probably nothing. It’s hard to believe we are completely powerless under such extreme circumstances. Theologically, I understand why. But, doesn’t canon law ever … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, The Pope
Tagged bishop, canon law, cardinal, Catholic, college of cardinals, McCarrick, Pope Francis, sexual abuse, Wuerl
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