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HABEMUS PAPAM!
Pope Leo XIV is an American … AND a canon lawyer. -
canonlawmadeeasy@yahoo.com
Please check the Archives first–it’s likely your question was already addressed.
Unsigned/anonymous questions are not read, much less answered (why is it necessary even to mention this?). 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.- Now available in paperback!
Category Archives: The Pope
Who Decides What Constitutes a Valid Sacrament?
Q: Canon law makes marriage illicit, not invalid. In your article “Are SSPX Sacraments Valid,” you quoted Canon 1108.1 that if the marriage isn’t celebrated in front of the bishop, pastor, or his designee, then “the marriage is invalid.” But Canon Law, … Continue reading
Can the Pope Validly Marry People on an Airplane?
Q: It would seem that [during his trip to Chile] Pope Francis received and blessed a couple who actually celebrated the sacrament of Holy Matrimony on the Pope’s flight. At first glance, according to your previous articles about canonical validity … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage, Sacraments, The Pope
Tagged airplane, canon law, Catholic, marriage, Pope Francis, wedding
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Could a Pope Ever Be Excommunicated? (“Excommunication” Defined)
Q: There are certain enumerated acts which trigger automatic, latae sententiae excommunication. Some of these acts could conceivably be performed by a Pope; for instance, it seems a Pope could help procure an abortion. Is it, then, theoretically possible for a Pope … Continue reading
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, excommunicate, excommunication, Pope
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Can a Pope Commit Heresy? (“Heresy” Defined)
Q: In theory, can a Pope commit heresy? If so, I’m trying to figure out who could declare that he was a heretic. What would happen? –Thomas A: This question had already been asked, before the September 24 announcement that … Continue reading
Can You Be Both a Catholic and a Sedevacantist?
Q: I have recently become friends with someone who follows Sedevacantism. It has provided an opportunity for me to be challenged to more fully understand church teaching. Would you consider sharing your wisdom and expertise to explain why Sedevacantism is … Continue reading
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, Pope, schism, sedevacantist
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