The Apostolic Constitution, Episcopalis communio, which Pope Francis issued Tuesday morning, introduces significant reforms to the consultative body known as the Synod of Bishops. The General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, in his prepared remarks to reporters gathered at the Press Office of the Holy See for the presentation of the new instrument, described the reform as, “a true and proper ‘re-foundation’ of the organism.” That sweeping claim — a tall order, to be sure — but here are three major practical novelties the Constitution introduces:
9:19 AM
Episcopalis communio: three things you need to know about the Pope's new document
Is the 'apostolic constitution' as big a deal as people think?
Christopher R. Altieri
7 min read
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