Pope Leo XIV urges consideration of various dimensions in matrimonial nullity proceedings.
Newsroom (31/01/2026 14:10, Gaudium Press) On 21 November, 2025, when receiving the participants of the recent Formation Course of the Roman Rota Tribunal, ‘Ten years of the reform of Canon Law in the matrimonial process: ecclesiological, juridical and pastoral dimensions’, Leo XIV emphasized ‘the relationship between these three approaches’, which is often forgotten. In fact, theology, law and pastoral care are considered ‘watertight compartments’ and ‘placed in opposition to each other, as if the more theological or the more pastoral were the less legal.’ This misconception ‘obscures the harmony’ between the various ecclesial activities.
‘Why, in the documents of marriage annulment proceedings, is Jesus presented as a meek and merciful Judge?’ asked the Pontiff. ‘Such a consideration may seem, at first glance, contrary to the inalienable requirements of justice, which cannot be neglected by virtue of a misinterpreted compassion,’ the Pontiff emphasized.
God always desires the salvation of every soul and offers his infinite mercy to every repentant sinner. However, human judgements, particularly those relating to the causes of marriage annulment, cannot be manipulated ‘by false mercy’.
St. Augustine already emphasized that mercy is “the compassion of our heart for the misery of others, which impels us to help them, if we can”. However, ‘this movement is in accordance with reason when mercy is manifested without compromising justice, both in helping the needy and in forgiving the repentant’ (The City of God, Book 9, Chapter 5).
‘Marriage is not an ideal, but the canon of true love between a man and a woman: total, faithful and fruitful love,’ the Pontiff reiterated. It is a mystery that remains despite any marital failure. Thus, the canonical process of marriage annulment, as Benedict XVI recalled, ‘is essentially an instrument for determining the truth about the marital bond. Its constitutive objective […] is, therefore, to serve the truth.’
Seeking the truth is the correct meaning of the expression ‘salvation of souls,’ the supreme law of ecclesiastical law. ‘The ecclesiological and juridical dimensions, if properly considered, lead to the discovery of the pastoral dimension,’ emphasized the Pontiff.
And Pope Leo XIV concluded, quoting the words of St. John Paul II: ‘Pastoral activity, although it far exceeds legal aspects, always involves a dimension of justice. In fact, it would not be possible to lead souls to the Kingdom of Heaven if we neglected that minimum of charity and prudence which consists in the commitment to faithfully observe the law and the rights of all in the Church.’
Compiled by Sandra Chisholm With Files by José Manuel Jiménez Aleixandre, Doctor of Canon Law, professor at the Santo Tomás de Aquino Theological Institute, Caieiras, SP, Brazil.
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