Pope allows synods of Uniate Churches to remove primates

Pope Leo XIV has allowed the synods of Eastern Catholic Churches to remove their patriarchs, subject to subsequent approval by the Vatican. The pontiff issued a corresponding apostolic letter motu proprio entitled "Mutua Concordia." This was reported by EWTN News.

The document amends canons 106 and 126 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. Under the new provision, bishops have been granted the right to strip a patriarch of his authority for serious reasons. The law guarantees the patriarch being removed the right to a full defense before the synod.

The pontiff emphasized the important role of mutual agreement between the patriarch and the episcopate. The Pope described this bond as the soul of ecclesial communion. In his view, the violation of this sacred bond inflicts a grave wound upon the entire ecclesial structure. In such crisis situations, the synod of bishops must have the authority to remedy the situation.

The final decision nonetheless rests with the Pope, who has retained the exclusive right to approve or reject the verdict of the bishops. According to Leo XIV, this requirement guarantees the full freedom of the synod fathers during voting and will protect them from external pressure. The decree entered into force immediately.

As the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported, Pope Leo called on Orthodox Christians to visible ecclesial unity.

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