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As of April 21, 2025, the Apostolic See is vacant. By law, during the vacancy nothing is to be altered in the governance of the universal Church (c. 335).
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Category Archives: The Pope
The Validity of the Upcoming Conclave
Q: Perhaps you could offer some insight on the issue of the maximum number of electors allowed in a Papal Conclave. It seems clear from the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominci Gregis that the maximum number of electors is 120. Yet, … Continue reading
Did Pope Francis Already Write a Resignation Letter?
Q: In light of the Holy Father’s present illness, I found an article online which was written a few years ago. It says that Pope Francis told an interviewer in 2013 that he had already written a resignation letter and … Continue reading
Posted in The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, impeded, Pope Francis, resignation, vacant see
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Limiting Diocesan Bishops’ Authority: Recent Decrees From Pope Francis
Q: I would like to ask a question about diocesan bishops and episcopal authority, but I don’t know how to formulate it. I hope you’ll bear patiently with me, there’s a confused jumble of ideas in my head! These ideas … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, The Pope
Tagged bishop, canon law, Catholic, diocesan bishop, Episcopal, Fiducia Supplicans
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Fiducia Supplicans and the Magisterium
Q: When reading news about Fiducia Supplicans, and then reading the declaration itself, I was struck by this statement it contains about the Church’s Magisterium: Such theological reflection, based on the pastoral vision of Pope Francis, implies a real development … Continue reading
Posted in Catholic Education, Other Canonical Questions, The Pope
Tagged blessing, canon law, Catholic, Fiducia Supplicans, magisterial teaching, magisterium
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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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