In a move being hailed as “revolutionary,” the Pope fast-tracks annulments in cases of domestic abuse. Now, it is easier, quicker, and cheaper for couples to be granted an annulment by the Catholic church. In addition, Pope Francis has allowed provisions for an even quicker annulment process in the case of an extra-marital affair or marital abuse.
This has the potential to have a profound effect on Catholics in the U.S., where annulments can be costly and time-consuming (often costing thousands of dollars and taking years to process). In many cases, Catholic couples simply opt for a civil divorce, which does not allow them to remarry within the Catholic church, or to receive church sacraments.
Here are the highlights of Pope Francis’ declaration Tuesday morning:
- He reaffirmed the traditional “indissolubility of marriage” while allowing for changes in annulment protocol
- Other than administration fees at the local level, annulments will now be free
- In cases of abuse or an extra-marital affair, the local bishop can rule without a tribunal
- There is no longer a mandatory review of each case by a second tribunal, thereby streamlining the process
This has the potential to have a profound effect on women (and men) who are caught in a domestic abuse situation. Under church doctrine, if a Catholic divorces and then remarries without first seeking an annulment, they are considered to be in a state of sin. Thus, they are unable to receive church sacraments. With this new ruling, abused women can seek the solace of their church, rather than feeling ostracized from it.
This declaration comes on the heels of last week’s announcement that women who have had an abortion can receive forgiveness to what was previously considered a grave sin (although there is still a long way to go in this regard).
Pope Francis has also called for equal pay for equal work, and has refuted the commonly-held conservative notion that the women’s rights movement is to blame for recent increases to divorce and annulment rates. There is disagreement as to whether he is a feminist pope or not. Still, this is definitely a step in the right direction.
