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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
Excommunication and Bad-Mouthing the Pope
Q: During this Jubilee Year, “Missionaries of Mercy” have been sent around the world with special powers to lift excommunications. The Vatican Archbishop who made this announcement mentioned the excommunicable crime of physical violence against the Pope, and said that … Continue reading
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, excommunication, Fisichella, Pope
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Why Does the Vatican Arrest Leakers, But Not Pedophile Priests?
Q: I read an article online, saying the Vatican just arrested five people for leaking and publishing confidential Vatican documents. Lots of anti-Catholic comments were posted under the article, asking why the Pope arrests leakers but not pedophile priests? I … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Other Canonical Questions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, pedophile, priest, Vatican
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How Much Authority Does a Synod Actually Have?
Q: We’ve all been fixated on the Synod, but we never seem to have heard much about Synods in the Church before…. What kind of authority does a Synod actually have? And how is this one any different from Synods … Continue reading
Posted in Other Canonical Questions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, Pope Francis, Synod
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How Often Does the Pope Change Canon Law?
Q: You mention on your website that nobody but the Pope can change the Code of Canon Law. I’m wondering how often he really does that, if ever? Civil legislatures change laws and enact new laws every week, but I … Continue reading
Why Are Some Suggesting That Francis’ Election Was Invalid?
Q1: I’ve read Vatican-commentators who claim that Pope Francis’ election may have been invalid, because he agreed to an agenda reforming the Church as the other cardinals wanted him to, and they say you can’t validly be elected Pope if … Continue reading