canon law
Experts call for Vatican judicial reforms to promote transparency and a fair trial
By Claire Giangravé — April 11, 2024
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Speakers at the conference said the institution still has a lot to do to better inform victims during canonical trials.
To remake church power in Francis’ vision, synod calls for changes to canon law
By Claire Giangravé — November 16, 2023
(RNS) — Canon law already allows for the participation of lay Catholics, but the role of bishops — and even the pope — might require revisions to the code that runs the church.
The Catholic Church’s views on exorcism have changed – a religious studies scholar explains why
By Joseph P. Laycock — May 25, 2022
(The Conversation) — In the 1960s, the Catholic Church sought to downplay demonic possession, but its views since then have changed.
Vatican legal expert says the Vatican ‘is learning’ when it comes to penal trials
By Claire Giangravé — May 24, 2022
(RNS) — At the Vatican megatrial, Pope Francis' legal and financial reforms are in some sense in the dock.
At USCCB meeting, American bishops ignore real problems while debating minutiae
By Thomas Reese — November 18, 2021
(RNS) — The church and the world are on fire, but you would not know it watching the bishops’ meeting.
Blocked from serving their church, Catholic women push for female deacons
By Yonat Shimron — September 14, 2021
(RNS) — There is growing momentum to restore women to the diaconate, which would allow women to serve as Catholic chaplains in prisons, hospitals and other settings.
Communion ban for pro-choice politicians is an old story, but the stakes have grown
By Claire Giangravé — June 7, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — While this debate has happened before, the context in the US Catholic church and its dynamic with the Vatican have changed.
Pope Francis issues long-awaited reform of Vatican penal law
By Claire Giangravé — June 1, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The changes include stronger penalties for sexual abuse, financial malfeasance and crimes against the sacraments, including the ordination of women.
What lifting pontifical secrecy for clergy abuse cases will change for victims
By Claire Giangravé — December 19, 2019
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — 'This is a tremendous step forward in transparency' and for the rights of victims and the accused, said a veteran canon lawyer.
Why it’s so hard to hold priests accountable for sex abuse
By Carolyn M. Warner — August 27, 2018
(The Conversation) — Pope Francis has expressed sympathy with the victims of clergy sex abuse, but an important reason for crisis is the church’s Code of Canon law, which the pope alone can change.
Scandals in the Catholic Church: Bad news and good news
By Thomas Reese — September 19, 2017
(RNS) — 'The Vatican is injuring itself by not being more forthcoming in handling accusations of child abuse against one of its diplomats,' writes Tom Reese.
What changes when Pope Francis grants priests the authority to forgive abortions?
By Mathew Schmalz — December 5, 2016
Francis’ decision in relation to abortion is part of an overall approach to Catholic teaching and practice that seeks to make it more humane, more merciful and more easily adaptable to the vicissitudes of everyday human life.
Page 1 of 1
