THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES IN THE LIGHT OF THE SPEECHES OF THE POPES TO THE ROMAN ROTA (2000 - 2021)

Abstract

This paper gathers the reflections of the speeches the Popes addressed to the Roman Rota during current 21st century, which includes the pontificates of Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis, on various questions related to matrimonial causes: value of the speeches and Rotal jurisprudence; concept, ends, goods and essential properties of marriage; marriage preparation and pastoral assistance for marriages and families; pathology of consent and marriage annulment; inspiring criteria of the ecclesiastical courts and, finally, the ecclesiastical judge suitability. The doctrine set forth in the speeches, although in principle addressed to the Roman Rota, is extensive to all ecclesiastical courts, as it contains guidelines explaining and clarifying matrimonial, substantive and procedural provisions, for which all members of the ecclesiastical courts must know and follow it in the development of their judicial activity. Additionally, all their actions must be inspired by the love of truth, guided by justice and charity, always keeping in mind the salus animarum, the supreme law in the Church. Likewise, papal reflections can also be useful to anyone who has an interest in understanding the reality of marriage and family.