Published: 2026-06-30

Hermeneutical requirements for the interpretation of canon 1453 of the CIC/83 after the reform of the process for the declaration of nullity of marriage

Tomasz Gałkowski
Ius Matrimoniale
Section: Rozprawy i artykuły
DOI https://doi.org/10.21697/im.2637101

Abstract

This paper proposes a new hermeneutical interpretation of Canon 1453 of the CIC/83, drawing on the reforms to the marriage process introduced by Pope Francis and the address given by Pope Leo XIV to the participants of a formation course organized by the Apostolic Tribunal of the Roman Rota (21 November 2025). The author presents an interpretation of the canon as an integral part of the marriage process, guided by the principle of expediting the procedure. Within this hermeneutical framework, the author highlights the concept of justice invoked in the canon and its role in justifying the ratio legis of the canon. The author argues that justice is not merely a guarantee of protecting rights in the interest of procedural speed and the time allotted for judicial proceedings, but also serves as a driving force for efficient and rapid action to avoid delaying the determination of a person's status within the Church. As Pope Leo XIV noted, justice is inspired by acts of mercy towards those who turn to ecclesiastical tribunals.

Keywords:

canon 1453 of the CIC/83, procedural speed, justice, hermeneutics, Francis, Leo XIV

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Citation rules

Gałkowski, T. (2026). Hermeneutical requirements for the interpretation of canon 1453 of the CIC/83 after the reform of the process for the declaration of nullity of marriage. Ius Matrimoniale, 37(1), 5–23. https://doi.org/10.21697/im.2637101

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