Do Catholic annulments need to be easier?
In this June 24, 2015, file photo, Pope Francis waves to the faithful as he arrives for his weekly general audience, in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)
Pope Francis has announced a new set of procedures to make it easier for Roman Catholics to obtain marriage annulments. The news comes in response to longstanding criticism of the difficulty of the process.
Under the new terms, announced Tuesday (Sept. 8), couples in which both parties agree to an annulment will be able to proceed more quickly, New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond said in an interview.
In further streamlining the process, Francis decreed that dioceses should not longer ask for financial contributions for the work of the staff involved in an annulment.
Pope Francis also instructed local Catholic bishops to be more welcoming to divorced or separated Catholics who have left church.
"The Holy Father has been very consistent in saying we must be there for a people in time of difficulty," Aymond said. "Most often in divorce cases, there is pain, hurt and brokenness. This process is meant to help people heal and not keep the pain alive."
In recent years, Aymond noted, annulments have taken an average of one year to be granted in New Orleans. In surrounding dioceses, the process has often taken two years.
Aymond said he felt the changes were "absolutely necessary."
"As the Holy Father has said, Justice delayed is not really justice," Aymond said.
Under the new terms, announced Tuesday (Sept. 8), couples in which both parties agree to an annulment will be able to proceed more quickly, New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond said in an interview.
Is the annulment process for Catholics in need of such changes? Let us know in the comments section.
In the past, every case had to be heard by two representatives of the church. Now, the process will require only one judgment, and the hearing process must be held within 30 days of the application.In further streamlining the process, Francis decreed that dioceses should not longer ask for financial contributions for the work of the staff involved in an annulment.
Pope Francis also instructed local Catholic bishops to be more welcoming to divorced or separated Catholics who have left church.
"The Holy Father has been very consistent in saying we must be there for a people in time of difficulty," Aymond said. "Most often in divorce cases, there is pain, hurt and brokenness. This process is meant to help people heal and not keep the pain alive."
In recent years, Aymond noted, annulments have taken an average of one year to be granted in New Orleans. In surrounding dioceses, the process has often taken two years.
Aymond said he felt the changes were "absolutely necessary."
"As the Holy Father has said, Justice delayed is not really justice," Aymond said.
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