Pope Francis reforms Eastern Catholic canon law to allow patriarch removal

Pope Francis has enacted a significant reform of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, introducing a new framework that allows for the 'dismissal' of patriarchs under specific, critical circumstances. The papal document, titled 'Mutua Concordia,' aims to establish a clear and orderly process for removing a patriarch when "emergencies" or "irremediable" discord threaten the unity of the church.

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If the sacred bond between the Patriarch and the rest of the bishops were irreparably compromised, it would imply a serious wound that must be remedied.

This reform addresses a long-standing gap in canon law, which previously lacked provisions for handling severe disputes within the Eastern Catholic Churches. These ancient churches, including the Syriac, Maronite, Armenian, Chaldean, and Coptic rites, adhere to the authority of the Holy See but are led by patriarchs elected by their respective Synods of Bishops. Pope Francis believes that the Synod's power should be expanded to ensure a balance between the patriarch and those who elect him.

The 'motu proprio' empowers the Synod of Bishops to convene and address situations where the "sacred bond between the Patriarch and the rest of the bishops is irreparably compromised." In such cases, the Synod can formally request the patriarch to resign or provide explanations for his actions. If the patriarch fails to fulfill his obligations, the Synod can be legitimately convened by the senior bishop, with the authority passing to successors if the initial bishop refuses.

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In situations of particular emergency that involve a grave and irremediable rupture of communion, the Synod of Bishops must be empowered to exercise canonical authority that allows it to require the Patriarch to answer for his actions.

Furthermore, the reform modifies the existing rule that a patriarch's mandate expires only upon death or personal resignation. Under 'Mutua Concordia,' if a patriarch decides to remain in office after the Synod requests his resignation due to a grave cause, the senior bishop can submit the dismissal to a secret vote by at least two-thirds of the synodal assembly. This process will respect the patriarch's right to defense, and the final decision on his removal will rest with the Pope, who will be informed promptly.

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For a grave cause, recognized as such by the Synod of Bishops of the patriarchal Church, the same Synod, convened according to the provisions (...), can ask the Patriarch to resign from office.