Canon Law
The Latest
10 questions (and answers) about the Synod on Synodality’s final document
From its magisterial status to proposals on Church governance, here are answers to the most pressing questions about the synod’s... Read more
The Synod on Synodality’s final document: What you need to know
The text also addresses accountability measures, calling for enhanced financial transparency, and protocols for abuse prevention. Read more
German Catholics write letter to Rome over Synodal Way, warn of ‘serious scandal’
A Catholic committee has turned to the Vatican in an attempt to avoid a permanent Synodal Council to oversee the... Read more
Judge dismisses Texas monastery’s lawsuit against Fort Worth bishop
The Carmelite nuns of the Most Holy Trinity Monastery in Arlington, Texas, plan to appeal the judge’s ruling. Read more
Auxiliary Bishop Michael Fitzgerald retires after 4 decades serving Archdiocese of Philadelphia
With degrees in both civil and canon law, Fitzgerald served as the judicial vicar and the founding director of the... Read more
Canon law copyright case: Priest’s website stays online thanks to new translation
A popular canon law website will continue to offer its content to the public despite fears that it would have... Read more
Here’s why a popular canon law website will have to remove much of its content
Father Paul Hedman created the website CanonLaw.Ninja to provide users with a searchable, up-to-date translation of the Code of Canon... Read more
Canon lawyer on Father Pavone's dismissal from priesthood: Only the Pope can issue a decision without appeal
Father Gerald Murray, a canon lawyer, offered insights from canon law regarding unanswered questions about the dismissal of Frank Pavone... Read more
A question of ‘delicate balance’: How might Pope Francis reform the rules of the conclave?
Who will manage the Vatican when a pope resigns, is unable to govern, or passes away? And according to which... Read more
Can laity preach at Mass? Chicago parish offers pulpit to same-sex couple
A Chicago Catholic parish is facing questions after the pastor allowed a couple in a same-sex marriage to offer a... Read more
'Br. Martin,' self-described monk with large Twitter following, says he won't heed bishop's warning
Martin Navarro — whose “Br. Martin” Twitter account has more than 11,000 followers — told CNA he won't acquiesce to... Read more
Pope Francis changes rules for major superiors of religious orders
The change allows religious brothers who are not priests to lead their religious communities with Vatican permission. Read more
Pope Francis updates canon law on dismissal from religious institutes
The change follows sweeping reform of the Catholic Church’s penal sanctions. Read more
German diocese hires self-identified transgender man to teach religious ed
A German diocese has granted a biological female who identifies as a transgender man permission to teach Catholic religion to... Read more
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
