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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.- 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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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?).
Tag Archives: Pope
The Enormous Loophole in Traditionis Custodes
Q: My fellow-parishioners and I are so shocked and hurt by the Holy Father’s deliberate destruction of the Traditional Latin Mass [in Traditionis custodes, his new motu proprio]…. Everyone agrees it’s so badly written, there are many internet articles explaining … Continue reading
Posted in Holy Mass, Parish Life, Rights of the Faithful
Tagged bishop, canon law, Catholic, Latin Mass, Pope, Roman Missal, Traditionis custodes
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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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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
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