Pope Francis reforms the annulment process

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis issued two Apostolic Letters motu proprio on Tuesday, by which he introduced reforms to the legal structures of the Church, which deal with questions of marital nullity.

One of the Letters motu proprio, known by its Latin title, Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus – or “The Lord Jesus, Clement Judge” – reforms the Code of Canon Law (CIC) governing the Latin Church, while the other, Mitis et misericors Iesus or “Clement and merciful Jesus” – reforms the Code of Canon Law for Oriental Churches (CCEO).

According to the prefatory remarks attached to both Letters, the reforms are the result of an expert group appointed to study the current state of law and practice in the Church as far as marriage law is concerned.

You can read the Vatican Radio report HERE.

Over at Crux, John Allen has two pieces which sets out what exactly the proposals today mean and also what the impact on the Synod on the Family will be.

Jim Akin has an excellent summary of what it means in Q&A form - Pope Francis Reforms Annulment Process: 9 things to know and share

Christian Today - Pope Francis makes marriage annulment easier for the benefit of estranged couples

NCR - Francis’ annulment changes stress prompt decisions, power of local bishops

NYT - Pope Francis Announces Measures to Simplify Marriage Annulments

Washington Post - Pope Francis simplifies marriage annulment process for Catholics

WSJ - Pope Francis Simplifies Catholic Annulment Rules

BBC - Pope Francis makes it easier for Catholics to remarry

 

Salt  + Light - Questions, answers and reflections about Marriage and Pope Francis’ Annulment Reform

 

CNA - Revamped annulment process focuses on speed, role of local bishops