Canon Law
The Latest
What has Pope Francis changed about Mass intentions? A CNA Explainer
Here’s what a recent clarification from the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary means. Read more
Will the latest canon law changes further delay the Vatican’s new constitution?
The blueprint for reform of the Roman Curia has been years in the making. Read more
Are Pope Francis’ changes to canon law true decentralization?
In practice, the pope has imposed decentralization by centralizing decisions upon himself. Read more
Pope Francis seeks ‘healthy decentralization’ with new changes to canon law
Pope Francis signed the motu proprio on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Read more
Christmas falls on a Saturday this year. What does that mean for Mass obligations?
This weekend, Latin rite Catholics have an obligation to attend Mass on both Christmas Day, Saturday, Dec. 25, and on... Read more
Is Pope Francis’ pragmatic approach creating a crisis for canon law?
A new book claims that the Church’s legal framework is being thrown into confusion. Read more
Polish Catholic archbishop sanctioned by Vatican defends election as mayor
Archbishop Sławoj Leszek Głódź insisted his new role did not conflict with canon law. Read more
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Biden's DC parish says it will not deny Communion
President Joe Biden’s regular parish in Washington, D.C. issued a statement on Tuesday that its priests and ministers will not... Read more
Congressman dares bishops to deny him Communion over support for abortion, contraception
In a series of tweets from his personal social media account over the weekend, Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) called the... Read more
Poll: Regular Mass attendees say politicians who oppose Church teaching on grave matters ‘create confusion’
A poll by a Catholic advocacy group released on Tuesday found that, among Catholics who attend Mass regularly, the vast... Read more
'A welcome necessity': Canon law society praises revisions to Church penal sanctions
The Canon Law Society of America on Tuesday expressed gratitude for the Vatican’s new revisions to Book VI of the... Read more
Pope Francis unveils sweeping reform of Catholic Church’s penal sanctions
Pope Francis wrote in the apostolic constitution introducing the changes that those who have committed a crime “need both mercy... Read more
Vatican responds to bishops’ call to amend Church law on crimes against minors
The Vatican told English and Welsh bishops that it was in the process of altering the Code of Canon Law. Read more
Cardinal Ladaria: Pastoral care, Church law are not in conflict in marriage cases
The cardinal spoke at a study day devoted to the 2001 instruction Potestas ecclesiae. Read more
Survey: Two-thirds of Catholics say Biden should be able to receive Communion
Two-thirds of U.S. Catholics say that President Joe Biden, who has contradicted Church teaching on abortion, marriage, and gender ideology,... Read more
Analysis: Archbishop Gregory says he won’t deny Biden communion. How will Catholics respond?
Washington’s archbishop, who will be made a cardinal this weekend, told a journalist Tuesday that in his diocese, he will... Read more
Pope Francis requires bishops to have Vatican permission for new diocesan religious institutes
Pope Francis has changed canon law to require a bishop to have permission from the Holy See prior to establishing... Read more
Cardinal Burke: Biden should not receive Holy Communion
Cardinal Raymond Burke, a canon lawyer and formerly the prefect of the Church’s highest court, has said that Catholic politicians... Read more
Detroit man thought he was a priest. He wasn't even a baptized Catholic
Father Matthew Hood of the Archdiocese of Detroit thought he became a priest in 2017. He hadn't even been baptized. Read more
Analysis: The sacramental shutdown, coronavirus, and canon law
The coronavirus pandemic has caused disruption around the world. To politics, economics, and to the life of the Church: most... Read more
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