Pope Francis continues to decentralize the powers of the Holy See, modifying norms in the Code of Canon Law in a new “motu proprio” letter.
Among the changes are that bishops will no longer need to seek approval from the Holy See to build a new seminary, but only notify it and receive confirmation.
A change which puts more authority into the hands of the bishops.
A similar change will also apply to the publication of regional catechisms approved by episcopal conferences. They will no longer need Vatican approval, but only confirmation.
The Pope has also changed a law in determining how priests are assigned to bishops or other superiors, and stated that bishops are responsible for recognizing and forming associations of consecrated Virgins.
He has also extended the time period in which a consecrated religious can leave their cloister for grave causes from 3 to 5 years.
JRB
