Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts

German diocese must rework parish merger plan after Vatican objects
- Jun 10, 2020
The Diocese of Trier must change its plan for reform after Vatican officials objected to some of its aspects, including plans for the future role of priests.

By Catholic News Service
Pope says revision of canon law section on crime, penalties is necessary
- Feb 21, 2020
The 12-year process of updating the Code of Canon Law section dealing with crimes and penalties was necessary “to make it more organic and responsive to new situations and problems,” Pope Francis said.

By Cindy Wooden
Vatican officials offer guidance for German Church gathering
- Sep 13, 2019
The German bishops’ plans for a two-year process of consultation and deliberation on key issues facing the Catholic Church must conform to universal church law and must be approved by the pope, said the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

By Cindy Wooden

Universal and local: Church law responds to local law, culture
- Jun 2, 2019
The Catholic Church has universal laws valid around the globe, but many of those laws — including on handling allegations of abuse — must be further refined on a local level to respond to national laws and cultures.

By Cindy Wooden
Official looks at meaning, role of ‘metropolitan archbishop’
- Jun 1, 2019
Designating an archdiocese as a “metropolitan see” is part of an organizational model, borrowed from the Romans, that goes back to the early days of Christianity, said Bishop Juan Ignacio Arrieta, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts.

By Cindy Wooden
Vatican’s former legal chief says canon law should include care of creation
- Jul 18, 2018
The Vatican’s former top advisor on canon law has made a public call to insert legal obligations for the care of creation into the Church’s universal canon law – making it a legal duty for Catholics not only “not to harm” the environment, but to improve it.

By Elise Harris, CNA