Process simplified as "Year of Mercy" begins
Pope Francis has reformed the procedure for declaring the nullity of marriages. His Apostolic Letter (Mitus Iudex Dominus Jesus) established the new procedures which began on December 8th, the same day that the Pope opened the Holy Doors declaring a ?Year of Mercy.?
Here in the Diocese of Cleveland, Bishop Lennon previously removed all fees and
financial requirements for those seeking annulments. Now, the Vatican has moved to make the annulment process simpler, for instance there is no longer a required appeal of an annulment decision to another diocese. The decision can be rendered by the three judges from the Diocese of Cleveland tribunal who consider the case.
The Judicial Vicar of the Diocesan Tribunal, The Reverend Gary Yanus explained, ?The change in the legislation is meant to help people so they can come to a resolution of their marital status in the Church.?
A Tribunal is the court established in each diocese by the bishop to assist him in carrying out his responsibility as shepherd of the local Christian community which has been entrusted to him (cc. 369, 1419 Code of Canon Law, 1983). As the judicial arm of the bishop, the diocesan tribunal cooperates in his ministry of furthering the supreme law of the Church
