By Christopher Wells
Canon law performs “an essential service in safeguarding ecclesial communion” and is “extremely necessary for the Church,” Pope Leo XIV told members of the Canon Law Faculty of the Pontifical Gregorian University on Friday.
He explained that the goal of forming “individuals who possess an ecclesial sense of iustum, “what is just,” can only be accomplished when the study of canon law is undertaken “in light of the mystery of the Church.”
Although that image can never be “perfectly” translated into canonical language, “canon law must nonetheless reflect that image,” the Pope said.
Quality over quantity
Reflecting on the history of the Faculty on the 150th anniversary of its establishment, the Holy Father recalled its roots in the Jesuit tradition, especially in St Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises.
He recalled the maxim of “quality over quantity”, saying the goal of the Faculty is not simply to know what the law says, but “to form individuals who possess an ecclesial sense of the iustum,” or “what is right,” through study, tradition, and theological principles “that shed light on the law.”
Pope Leo noted that Church law is intended to “create order” within the Church, noting that the law “must always aim at the supernatural good of the individual faithful and the edification of the ecclesial communion.”
He said this end is achieved by “pursuing true justice,” which is never separated from truth and mercy.
Serving the ministry of the Popes
Finally, the Pope noted the Faculty’s “special role in the service of the Petrine ministry,” expressed through fidelity to the Magisterium and service to the Apostolic See.
He called members of the Faculty to offer students “a living experience of the universal Church, which finds in the Bishop of Rome the perpetual and visible principle and foundation of unity.”
Students, he suggested, should receive the experience of the Church as a “universal communion” as “a treasure to be shared, placing it at the service” of the communities they will serve.
Pope Leo concluded his address by expressing his confidence that the Faculty, “following in the footsteps” of their predecessors, “will be able to continue bearing the fruits of doctrine, scholarship, and holiness of life that the Lord and the Church expect from you.” – Vatican News
