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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
Canon Law and the Upcoming Conclave
Q1: Can you please explain for us how the papal conclave will work? And are there any major aspects of it that will be different this time, because Pope Benedict is still living? –Leah Q2: Who can, and cannot, be … Continue reading
Posted in The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, college of cardinals, conclave, Pope Benedict
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A Brief Note about Papal Resignation
Dear Readers, Those of us in Rome were no less stunned than the rest of the world by the Pope’s announcement yesterday. Nobody saw it coming! It was, therefore, a cruel coincidence that “Can a Pope Ever Resign?” was published … Continue reading
Can a Pope be Removed from Office?
Q: In a recent piece you explained that the Pope can resign if he chooses. To me that raises another question: What would happen if a Pope became so mentally debilitated that he didn’t know what he was doing? It … Continue reading
Posted in The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, incapacitated, Pope
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Can a Pope Ever Resign?
Q: I read in a news article that Pope Benedict said he would resign, if he reached the point where he couldn’t physically handle being Pope any longer. Is that even possible? Can a Pope ever resign? —Scott A: It’s … Continue reading
Canon Law and the Pope’s Butler
Q: I understand that the Pope’s butler was arrested and convicted under Vatican civil law, and not under canon law. But didn’t he violate canon law too? I thought it was a crime under canon law to cause harm to … Continue reading
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, excommunication, Paolo Gabriele, Pope
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