Motu Proprio
The name given to certain papal rescripts on account of the clause motu proprio (of his own accord) used in the document. The words signify that the provisions of the rescript were decided on by the pope personally, that is, not on the advice of the cardinals or others, but for reasons which he himself deemed sufficient. The document has generally the form of a decree: in style it resembles a Brief rather than a Bull, but differs from both especially in not being sealed or countersigned. It issues from the Dataria Apostolica, and is usually written in Italian or Latin. It begins by stating the reason inducing the sovereign pontiff to act, after which is stated the law or regulation made, or the favour granted, It is signed, personally by the pope, his name and the date being always in Latin. (Source: New Advent / Catholic Encyclopedia https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10602a.htm)
The Latest
Pope Francis calls for ‘paradigm shift’ in theology for world of today
Citing the need to deal with “profound cultural transformations,” the pope presented his dramatic vision for the future of Catholic... Read more
Pope Francis changes law regulating Vatican City court system
Pope Francis revised a law regulating the Vatican’s judicial system on Wednesday, reversing some aspects of the pope’s prior reform... Read more
Pope Francis reinforces centralization of Vatican finances
In an apostolic letter on Thursday, Pope Francis reaffirmed that the property and assets of the Holy See are “ecclesiastical... Read more
Pope Francis decrees better control of Vatican funds and foundations
Pope Francis issued a decree on Tuesday aimed at improving the financial accountability of funds, foundations, and other legal entities... 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
North American College to cancel teaching and celebrating Masses in the Extraordinary Form
In a memo sent to "the Community'' at the North American College (NAC), Rector Fr. Peter Harman announced that all... Read more
Traditional Latin Mass goers: Pope Francis doesn't understand us
“It feels like our Holy Father doesn't understand this whole group of people who love our Lord so much," says... Read more
Dutch Catholic bishop: Traditionis custodes appears to be a ‘declaration of war’
Bishop Rob Mutsaerts said the pope’s intervention was ‘dictatorial’ and ‘unpastoral.’ Read more
How French Catholics are responding to Pope Francis’ Traditional Latin Mass restrictions
A study found traditionalism is growing steadily year on year. Read more
English cardinal to grant faculties to priests fulfilling conditions of Traditionis custodes
Many priests in Westminster diocese have requested faculties. Read more
Cardinal Burke questions Pope Francis' authority to eliminate the Traditional Latin Mass
In a 19-point statement regarding Pope Francis' motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke called the restrictions on the... Read more
Philippine bishops support pope’s letter on traditional liturgies
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines issued a statement on Thursday supporting Pope Francis’ motu proprio Traditionis custodes, which... Read more
Traditionis custodes: German Catholic dioceses make no immediate changes
Several dioceses confirmed that Traditional Latin Masses would continue. Read more
FSSP says it is ‘deeply saddened’ by Pope Francis' Latin Mass restrictions
The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter issued a statement on Tuesday reaffirming their fidelity to Pope Francis, and expressing their... Read more
Springfield bishop dispenses parishes from restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass
The bishop of Springfield in Illinois on Monday dispensed two parish churches in his diocese from an article of a... Read more
More bishops issue statements on Latin Mass, following papal document
More U.S. bishops have issued guidance on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass in their dioceses, following a papal... Read more
Full text: Traditionis Custodes, Pope Francis' motu proprio about Traditional Latin Mass
This is the official translation published by the Vatican of the apostolic letter issued motu proprio by Pope Francis about... Read more
Francis modifies norms for the resignation of bishops
On Thursday Pope Francis tweaked the Church’s policies on bishops and Curial officials reaching the age of retirement, indicating that... Read more
