According to Fr. John Zuhlsdorf, two independent source have confirmed that the document clarifying questions regarding the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum is now on Pope Benedict's desk. Further, it will be issued in forma specifica.
The confirmation in forma specifica makes a confirmed act an act of the supreme authority of the Church, who is then legally its author. A lower judge can do nothing against such an act, given the principle that “the First See cannot be judged by anyone else.” (Code of Canon Law of 1983, c. 1404). It is for this reason that the mandatum of the Apostolic See or aperitio oris is indispensable when a lower judge undertakes a new review of a matter or evaluates a document (c. 1405 2). Consequently, a decree from a provincial council approved in forma communi remains a conciliar decree. whereas if it is approved in forma specfica, it becomes one of the Roman pontiff’s higher laws.
9 comments:
For in forma specifica, see also Consecrated Phrases: A Latin Theological Dictionary, on google books here, pages 62 - 63.
I like the timing, and expected it. This new document will take attention away from the revision of the Good Friday Prayers, which is good for a number of reasons.
P.K.T.P.
From the USCCB Website concerning types of Papal Documents:
"This essay will not go into depth about the documents that emerge from the various Vatican offices, most of which are legislative in nature, except to say a word about texts that are approved in forma specifica and in forma communi. These types of documents are reviewed by the pope and so carry special weight upon their promulgation. In forma specifica documents have deliberate papal approbation, and so the documents, even though issued by a Vatican office, take on the character of speaking to a papal concern."
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And so, from the mouth of the Bishops themselves... this is an important document which carries "special weight"...we can only hope so!
Where is this being reported? I have seen nothing else about this anywhere...
Chironomo,
It is being reported here based on the comments of Fr. Zuhlsdorf. Given his connections and credentials, I felt it newsworthy. With that said, I clearly indicate it as "rumor" so caveat emptor.
Is there a "live link" to this info? I did indeed notice the "rumor" tag!
Mike
I would certainly trust Fr. Z's personal word on something like this... was just wondering if it was in print anywhere, or was it a verbal communique?
Father mentioned it at the end of a post on the second confiteor. It can be found here
Thanks for the link! For me, Father's word is as good as gold!
Mike
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