Code of Canon Law
Code of Canon Law is the principal body of universal ecclesiastical law promulgated in 1983 for the Latin Church.
The 1983 code
John Paul II promulgated the Codex Iuris Canonici on 25 January 1983, replacing the 1917 code for the Latin Church. Its seven books regulate general norms, the people of God, the teaching office, sanctifying office, temporal goods, sanctions, and processes.[1]
Universal statutes issued after 1983 have modified individual canons. The current law must therefore be read with authentic amendments, interpretations, particular law, and administrative or judicial decisions where applicable—not from an uncorrected historical printing alone.[2]
Law and doctrine
Canon law serves communion, justice, rights, sacramental order, and the Church's mission; it does not replace faith, grace, charity, or pastoral prudence. Some canons express divine or doctrinal realities, while many establish changeable ecclesiastical disciplines.
The code governs the Latin Church. Eastern Catholic churches are principally governed by the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches and their particular law unless a norm expressly provides otherwise.
References
- Back to citation Sacrae disciplinae leges — Apostolic constitution promulgating the 1983 code and explaining its purpose.
- Back to citation Code of Canon Law — Official Holy See English text and related amendments.