Journal Title
Outskirts Press
Volume
N/A
Issue
N/A
First Page
1
Document Type
Book
Publication Information
2023
Abstract
Marriage in the Church is considered the greatest symbol of mystical life and has been instituted by God, representing the sacrament of the spousal union of Christ with the Church. Multiple canons include the Church's requirements and regulations for marriage since its institution as a sacrament. The last marital reform was introduced in the 18th century by Pope Benedict XIV and remained as legal norm until Pope Francis announced the publication of a new reform for the annulment of marriages within the Church on August 15, 2015.
Despite reactions against maintaining strictness in favor of marriage, Pope Francis emphasized that the new reform would address the reality of a painful dynamic in which many people found themselves, especially those who did not have a favorable economic situation.
The new reform preserves many of the original aspects of canon law, such as the consent required for the creation of a valid marriage, and outlines the necessary requirements for the establishment of a true marriage. It also includes new elements aimed at expediting the processing and resolution of cases of marital nullity, such as reducing the processing time to achieve a nullity and simplifying the complexity of nullity cases.
In addition, it creates a special position for diocesan bishops in the administration of justice for marriage annulment processes. The new marriage reform promoted by Pope Francis serves as a tool to reach the faithful who are discouraged by the difficulties presented by the old annulment process and invites those who have strayed to return to being part of the Church.
Recommended Citation
Roberto Rosas & Yeshica Umana, The Marriage Nullity Process in the Reform of Pope Francis with Special Reference to the Processus Brevior, Outskirts Press (2023).