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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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Category Archives: The Pope
Retranslating the Liturgy: Pope Francis Changes the Law (Episcopal Authority, Part I)
Q: Some ladies at our parish are all aflutter because they read somewhere that the Vatican has changed the rules on translation of liturgical rites into the vernacular. Specifically, bishops are now permitted to translate the Mass and other rites … Continue reading
Posted in Holy Mass, Other Canonical Questions, Sacraments, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, Liturgiam authenticam, liturgical books, Magnum principium, translation
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Should We Contact the Papal Nuncio?
Q: Our pastor is being attacked by the bishop…. Is it better to contact the Vatican directly, or do you think we should go through the papal nuncio? –Tess
Posted in Other Canonical Questions, Rights of the Faithful, The Pope
Tagged bishop, canon law, Catholic, legate, papal nuncio, Pope
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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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Who’s in Charge of the Diocese When There’s No Bishop?
Q: We have a lot of confusion in our parish…. Complicating the equation, our diocesan bishop has retired and the Pope has yet to name his successor. We have a diocesan administrator, but he is also currently the bishop of … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Parish Life, The Pope
Tagged bishop, canon law, Catholic, diocese
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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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