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Should the Pope revise Canon Law regarding clergy sexual abuse? Why or Why not?
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Lost_Sheep
Guest
What exactly do you mean by “revise Canon Law”?An expert explains how a complex set of canon laws and trials are the major obstacle to holding priests accountable. The power to take action is often vested in the Vatican.
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1Lord1Faith
Guest
Call me skeptical.An expert explains
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Welshrabbit
Guest
Does the Holy Father have the authority to revise Canon Law? Genuinely asking because I don’t know the answer.
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acanonlawyer
Guest
He has the authority to revise those parts of canon law that are “merely ecclesiastical law.” There are portions of what we call “canon law” that are divine law (either natural law or divinely revealed). For example, baptism must be administered with water. Or, in the course of a trial, a person has the right of defense. The Pope cannot change these parts of canon law. There rest of what we call canon law is “ecclesiastical law”–it has been imposed by the authority of the Church and can be changed/removed by that same authority. For example, a person must abstain from meat on Fridays or a parish pastor must offer Mass for the people on Sundays.Does the Holy Father have the authority to revise Canon Law?
Dan
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acanonlawyer
Guest
Yes, the author might be an expert in something but it doesn’t seem to be canon law.An expert explains
Dan
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acanonlawyer
Guest
I would agree with this assessment if only there had been (say, through the 1970s-1990s) numerous attempts at applying the norms of canon law to errant priests, and those attempts proved impossible or fruitless. As it was, the Church’s law on crime and punishment was basically ignored during those years (and still is, sometimes).An expert explains how a complex set of canon laws and trials are the major obstacle to holding priests accountable. The power to take action is often vested in the Vatican.
Dan
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Welshrabbit
Guest
Fascinating, thank you for replying.
On a side note, if I ever meet a canon lawyer in person, can I refer to he or she as “Counselor?” I used to like calling the lawyers I interacted with for work by this title. Thankfully, I don’t deal much with attorneys anymore…
On a side note, if I ever meet a canon lawyer in person, can I refer to he or she as “Counselor?” I used to like calling the lawyers I interacted with for work by this title. Thankfully, I don’t deal much with attorneys anymore…
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acanonlawyer
Guest
As far as I know, there really aren’t titles like that which people use for “canonists.” At least, not in the “American” context.can I refer to he or she as “Counselor?”
Dan
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Diaconia
Guest
Past popes have made changes in Canon law regarding abuse of minors recently.
No one hates clergy abuse more than the Pope. Benedict XVI referred to such abusers as “filth” in the Church.
Deacon Christopher
No one hates clergy abuse more than the Pope. Benedict XVI referred to such abusers as “filth” in the Church.
Deacon Christopher
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