MOST IMPORTANT AND INFLUENTIAL PAPAL ACT OF 2017

To say that 2017 was a busy year for Pope Francis is perhaps the biggest understatement of the year itself.

Ever since his election and throughout his Pontificate, the Holy Father has consistently preached and encouraged Catholics and non-believers as well to value and appreciate differences rather than condemn or fear them.  2017 was no exception as the Pope even permitted greater diversity within the Church.

As the year quickly approaches its ending, we look back upon what may possibly be the most lasting and influential action undertaken during this Pontificate.

That decision was contained in the Pope’s motu proprio, Magnum Principium (The Great Priniciple).  The document provided changes to Canon Law which give national conferences of Bishops greater authority in translating liturgical texts into their native languages.

In a letter correcting some misstatements made by Cardinal Sarah, the Holy Father insisted that while in the past  "the judgment regarding the fidelity to the Latin and the eventual corrections necessary was the task of the Congregation (for Divine Worship)," the new norms give "episcopal conferences the faculty of judging the worth and coherence of one or another term in translations from the original, even if in dialogue with the Holy See."

By these actions, Pope Francis has given canonical expression to the teachings of Vatican Council II  that Bishops are indeed successors to the Apostles and have a distinct and proper role in the expression of that Apostolic Authority.  

Such a clarification gives greater understanding to the ancient declaration that the Pope is “primus inter pares”, that is, the Pope is “first among equals”.  The Bishops, therefore, individually and collectively exercise Apostolic authority within their dioceses and regions of the world in fulfilling the responsibilities of their office to teach, to sanctify and to govern.

It is an understanding of Apostolic authority such as the Church has not seen put into practice to date.

I predict it will be the principle upon which other reforms will take place, not the least of which will be the eventual Ordination of married men to the Sacred Priesthood, a decision which may not be all that far off into the future.  Already, Pope Francis has expressed his openness to the idea that local conferences of Bishops would have authority to ordain men of proven virtue given the lack of availability of Priests to minister to the souls entrusted to their pastoral care.

I further predict that Magnum Principium will be the impetus which many Bishops have been awaiting to make significant reforms pertaining to the administration of the Sacraments to those in irregular situations.

Neo-conservative reactionary groups within the Church have said little about Magnum Principium.  That is because they are aware of its import and the potential it has to bring reform in many areas of Church life.  They do not wish to bring attention to what will perhaps be the “ultimate bombshell” of the Francis Pontificate:  recognizing the rightful authority which Bishops share in the salvific ministry of the Church.

And while the Pope has done many other things, especially in areas related to Catholic social teaching (death penalty and nuclear deterrence), the establishment of new dioceses in heretofore unapproachable areas, and his consistent moral teachings regarding care for the environment, none will compare with the lasting effects which Magnum Principium will have upon the Church for the foreseeable future and beyond.

What will 2018 be for Pope Francis and the Church?  How will Magnum Principium further impact Church reform and practice?

The answers to those questions are known only to God Himself, to Whom we continue to entrust ourselves and the care of the Church we love so well.