Imparare a congedarsi

Coat of arms of Pope Francis

Imparare a congedarsi ( German : learn to say goodbye ) is the title of an apostolic letter in the form of a motu proprios , which was signed by Pope Francis on February 12, 2018 . In terms of content, it deals with the age-related resignation procedure of heads of dicasteries and high prelates at the Roman Curia .

intention

With this amendment , Francis exhorts ecclesiastical dignitaries to prepare for the end of their term of office before God . They should let go of their power and let go of the assumption that they are indispensable.

“On the other hand, when he is exceptionally asked to continue the ministry for a longer period, this demands generosity to give up his own new, personal projects. However, this situation must not be seen as a privilege or a personal triumph or a favor owed to alleged duties arising from friendships or closeness, including gratitude for the efficiency of the services rendered. Any possible extension can only be understood for motives that are related to the common good of the Church. "

- Francis (Imparare a congedarsi)

Provisions

The Apostolic Letter, published on February 15, lays down the provisions for the resignation of dicasteries and high prelates at the Roman Curia for reasons of age as follows:

In Article 1 , the officials are enumerated, it is expected of them that they offer with the completion of the 75th year of life the Pope the renunciation of their office:

• the diocesan bishops and eparches
• Officials who are equivalent to the diocesan bishops and eparches according to Canon 381 § 2 CIC and 313 CCEO
• Episcopal coadjutors
• Auxiliary bishops
• Bishops with special pastoral assignments

The regulation in article 2 states that for the heads of the dicasteries at the Roman Curia as well as the high prelates and bishops who perform other tasks in the service of the Holy See , their office no longer " ipso facto " ends at the age of 75 . From now on, this group of people must also offer the Pope his resignation.

The same is provided for in article 3 for papal representatives. Here, too, the end of the term of office will no longer take place “ipso facto”, but only through the express offer of resignation.

In Article 4 it states: "In order for the withdrawal to those provisions is final according to 1-3, he must be accepted by the pope, will decide the after consideration of the specific circumstances. '"

Ultimately, Article 5 regulates that when the resignation offer is submitted in accordance with Articles 1–3, an extension of the office occurs “automatically”, which lasts until the person concerned has received notification that the resignation has been accepted by the Pope or that the mandate is “open for a definite or indefinite period ”. This means that the three-month period according to Canon 189 § 3 CIC does not apply. Canon 970 § 1 CCEO is also no longer applicable.

Web links

• Apostolic letter in the form of a motu proprio imparare a congedarsi regulating the age-related resignation of holders of papal honorary titles, February 12, 2018
• CIC, German text and other languages
• Catholic magazine for church and culture: New motu proprio issued; Pope Francis changes resignation of heads of dicastery, February 15, 2018
• Pope changes rules on age-related resignations in the Vatican

Individual evidence

1. ↑ See CIC, Can. 401 § 1: "A diocesan bishop who has completed the seventy-fifth year of life is asked to offer his resignation from office to the Pope, who will be decided after weighing all the circumstances." ( Online )
2. ↑ Canon 381 § 2
3. ↑ Canon 189 § 3 CIC: "If a waiver, which requires acceptance, is not accepted within three months, it loses all legal force, if it does not require acceptance, it gains legal force through the notification made in accordance with the law on the part of the Waiver ". ( online )