Folia Theologica et Canonica 4. 26/18 (2015)

IUS CANONICUM - Szabolcs Anzelm Szuromi, O.Praem., The effect of Pope Benedict XIV’ s canonical works on the ecclesiastical process law

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SZABOLCS ANZELM SZÚROM!, O.PRAEM.

(e.g., §§ 9, 11 J46. He explains precisely - with examples as well - the purpose of the second instance and appealing to the Roman Curia, namely to the Rota Romana. Regarding this last question he uses rich material to confirm the role of the third instance of the process, making clear the logical basis of the necessity of two concordant sentences on different tribunal’ instances (§ 13)47 *. He knew well, that even this technical - processual - solution is not perfect - because the human decision cannot be without mistake - but at least is a sufficient structure for a circumspect responsible judgement by "ludices Commissarii” (§ 12).4S Pope Benedict’s idea has revolutionary improved the effectivity of the matrimonial processes, which indeed has made a profound influence on the codified canon law too. The CIC (1917) precisely listed those prescriptions and elements - particularly in title “De variis tribunalium gradibus et specibus” - which had been laid down upon the constitution Dei miseratione,49 These canons also took place in the New Code of Canon Law, and their interpretation - supplied with the jurisprudential tradition of instruction Provida Mater (August 15th 1936) and the constant customs of the Rota Romana - influenced essentially the composition of instruction Dignitas Connubii (January 25lh 2005).5" Nevertheless, Pope Benedict XIV’s presented concept and arguments were solidly considered even during the preparation of the apostolic letter Mit is Index (September 8lh 2015) as it is known from several recent reports and comments of experts. Naturally, that abbreviated matrimonial process which contains the new canons 1683-1687, is novelty as compared with the essential idea of regulation of Dei miseratione.Sl We must mention here the strong influence of Dei miseratione on the authority of the different officers at the ecclesiastical tribunal, which basically defined the canons of the Pius - Benedict Code (i.e. Cann. 1586-1589), particularly the rights and obligations of defender of bond (i.e. Can. 1969), then were inserted with a minor correction regarding his office into the New Code

46 Gasp arri, P. -Serédi, I. (ed.), Codicis iuris canonici fontes, I. 698-699.

47 Gasparri. P. - Serédi, I. (ed.), Codicis iuris canonici fontes, I. 699-700.

4S Gasparri, P. - Serédi, I. (ed.), Codicis iuris canonici fontes, I. 699.

49 Ochoa, X. (t) - Andrés, D. (ed.), Leges Ecclesiae post Codicem iuris canonici editae, VII. Romáé 1994.9604-9610

50 Cf. Franceschi, H. - Llobell, J. - Ortiz, M. Á. (a cura di), La nullità del matrimonio: temi processuali e sostantivi in occasione delta «Dignitas Connubii». Il Corso di aggiornamento per operatori del diritto presso i tribunali ecclesiastci (Roma, 13-18 settembre 2004). Roma 2005. Kowal, J., L’istruzione «Dignitas connubii» e la competenza della Chiesa circa il matrimonio dei battezzati, in Periodica 94 (2005) 477-507. Montini, G. P., L’istruzione «Dignitas connubii» sui processi di nullità matrimoniale. Una introduzione, in Quaderni di diritto ecclesiale 18 (2005) 342-363. Llobell, J., El valor juridico de la instr. “Dignitas connubii’’, in Rodrigez- Ocana, R.- Sedano, J. (dir.), Process de nulidad matrimoniai, lui Instruct ion «Dignitas connubii», Pamplona 2006. 235-301.

51 Franciscus, Litt. Ap. Mitis ludex (8 sept. 2015): Art. 5 - De processu matrimoniali breviore Corani episcopo, Cann. 1683-1687. Cf. Daniel, W. L., The Abbreviated Matrimonial Process before the Bishop in Cases of “Manifest Nullity’’ of Marriage, in The Jurist 75 (2015) 539-591.