The recent Motu Proprio establishes new norms regarding the competencies of bishops. The document provides for greater autonomy of pastors in the local churches. 

Newsroom (17/02/2022 12:00, Gaudium Press) In the Motu Proprio “Attribution of some Competencies”, published last Tuesday, 16 February, Pope Francis establishes that bishops will have autonomy to manage some specific competencies, previously reserved only to the Holy See.

The Pontiff explains that in analyzing “the ecclesial culture and the juridical mentality proper to each of the Codes” he decided to publish the Motu Proprio which aims to favour the collegiality and responsibility of Bishops of the Latin or Eastern rite and Major Superiors by attributing them greater autonomy.

Without harming the hierarchical structure, the document seeks to favour the pastoral action of local authorities by increasing their closeness to the people and local events.

“Confirmation” of the Holy See and no longer “authorization”.

One of the main changes is the possibility of erecting a diocesan seminary without waiting for authorization from Rome; the Bishop needs only a confirmation from the Holy See.

The replacement of the word “authorization” for “confirmation” also applies to the formation of priests, as the text of the Motu Proprio explains:

“The most important principles and general guidelines for the formation to be given in the seminary, adapted to the pastoral needs of each region or province, are defined,” the document explains.

Publication of catechism, period of exclaustration

From now on, the redaction and publication of catechisms will also require only confirmation from the Holy See.

Other changes in the text are in relation to the eventual reduction of the number of Masses and in the regulation of the period of exclaustration of a religious, that is, the authorization granted to a religious to live outside his institute for serious reasons.

Bishop Marco Mellino, bishop and Secretary of the Council of Cardinals and member of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, explained to Vatican News that the Motu Proprio is another stage in the work Pope Francis has undertaken since the beginning of his pontificate.

The changes favour the spirit of healthy decentralization and aim to increase the dynamics and closeness to the local Church without harming communion with the hierarchy. (FM)

Compiled by Sandra Chisholm