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Marriage and Annulments in the Papacy of Francis: Themes of Mercy and Accompaniment

Vela, Victoria E
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9634-4702
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1595605783800129

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Dayton, Theological Studies.
The focus of my thesis is on the indissolubility of sacramental marriage in light of Pope Francis' changes to canon law in his motu proprios, Amoris Laetitia, and the 2014 and 2015 Synod on the Family. I proceed through a close reading of the primary texts related to marriage, namely, the midterm and final reports on the Synod of the Family and Pope Francis' Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus, Mitis et Misericors Iesus, and Amoris Laetitia. In addition to these primary texts, my study draws on relevant, scholarly works on Francis and his initiatives. Each of the primary texts provide unique developments to the teaching and practice of the Catholic Church and ought to be understood in light of the predominant themes of Francis' papacy, particularly mercy and accompaniment. I will present these ecclesial developments as consistent with and advancing the spirit of the traditions of the Catholic Church. I will also argue that these primary sources serve as a way to move past polarization and find common ground in terms of the different understandings of marriage today. The paper begins with an investigation of the history of the indissolubility of marriage in order to understand how this concept has evolved and where there may be room for further development. I then briefly discuss the Synod on the Family and its documents, and this provides the context for understanding the foundation on which Amoris Laetitia was developed. Next, the changes Pope Francis made to the annulment process through the motu proprios are analyzed to determine how they contribute to the way the Church cares for people in "irregular" situations. In doing so, I hope to shed more light on the subject of canon law as inherently related to theology and pastoral care. My thesis also seeks to understand why and how the Catholic Church can reconcile the statement that "divorce is an evil and the increasing number of divorces is very troubling" with the streamlined changes made by Francis in the annulment process. The thesis concludes with an analysis of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, which provides the final explanation of marital indissolubility. The goal of this thesis is to contribute my own assessment of the doctrine of the indissoluble bond of marriage as a necessary teaching that deserves further exploration and to suggest that the changes made by Pope Francis are done in the spirit of developing the Church's efforts in ministering to her people. Through critically evaluating the traditional notion of marriage on which the Catholic Church relies, we arrive at a place where dialogue can take place. This is the climate Pope Francis is seeking to foster for the Church, and this thesis aims to defend the legitimacy of his perspective.
William Johnston (Advisor)
Jana Bennet (Committee Member)
Dennis Doyle (Committee Member)
102 p.
Canon Law; Religion; Religious History; Theology
Marriage, Pope Francis, Annulments, Divorce, Canon Law, Mercy, Catholic Church

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Vela, V. E. (2020). Marriage and Annulments in the Papacy of Francis: Themes of Mercy and Accompaniment [Master's thesis, University of Dayton]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1595605783800129

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Vela, Victoria. Marriage and Annulments in the Papacy of Francis: Themes of Mercy and Accompaniment. 2020. University of Dayton, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1595605783800129.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Vela, Victoria. "Marriage and Annulments in the Papacy of Francis: Themes of Mercy and Accompaniment." Master's thesis, University of Dayton, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1595605783800129

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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