The news that the Pope has set up a commission to oversee the streamlining of the annulments procedure, as reported by Vatican Radio, is to be welcomed by all. Indeed, many of us will think “At long last!” and greet this as the first and very welcome fruits of the forthcoming Synod.
The annulments process in the Catholic Church has long been a matter of concern – and not for the usual reasons so often given. Contrary to what some people (who ought to know better) claim, handing over envelopes stuffed with cash to monsignori in Rome will not procure you an annulment, and people who make this claim are irresponsible, and speaking without evidence, and maligning a lot of hardworking Church officials who receive little reward for their labours.
