Tuesday, 10 March 2026

 

Metropolitans in the Oriental and Latin Codes:

A Comparative Study with Special Reference to the Syro-Malabar Church

(Published in  Ephrem Theological Journal, Vol. 30, March 2026, Pp 47-57)

Abstract

This study offers a comparative analysis of the office of the metropolitan in the Oriental (CCEO) and Latin (CIC) Codes of Canon Law, with special reference to the Syro-Malabar Church sui iuris. It traces the historical origins of the metropolitan office and examines its contemporary canonical structure. The article identifies and explains the various categories of metropolitans in the Eastern Catholic Churches The study also analyzes the symbolism and canonical requirements surrounding the pallium in both codes, noting significant differences in its conferment and use.

A detailed comparison of the rights and obligations of metropolitans in the two codes is presented, including their roles in ordination, liturgical functions, canonical visitations, judicial authority, vigilance over suffragan eparchies/dioceses, appointment of officials, and representation of the province. Unique prerogatives - such as the Eastern metropolitan’s role in ordaining bishops and the Latin metropolitan’s right to celebrate in any church of the province - are highlighted.

Key Words:

Metropolitan; Metropolitan province, Metropolitan See, Suffragan eparchy/diocese, Pallium, Synod of Bishops, Apostolic See.  

1. Introduction

From the earliest period of the Church, a distinctive relationship developed between the principal cities where the Christian faith first flourished and the smaller towns surrounding them. The older and more prominent Churches, particularly those distinguished by their missionary activity, were recognized as metropolitan sees. The bishops of the lesser towns, known as suffragans[1]. Over time, the metropolitan acquired authority over these neighboring bishops. He convoked them for meetings (synods), presided over the election and ordination of new bishops, and assisted in judging matters that concerned them[2].

Today, a metropolitan is the bishop who presides over an ecclesiastical province and has other bishops and eparchies/dioceses under his authority. A metropolitan has the same rights and obligations as an eparchial/diocesan bishop in his eparchy/diocese (CCEO can.134 §2; CIC 435). All metropolitans have the title of Archbishop[3], though not all archbishops are necessarily metropolitans.

2. Different Types of Metropolitans

Metropolitans are called archbishops in the Latin tradition (CIC c. 435). The term ‘archbishop’ is not used in the CCEO; however, ‘metropolitan archbishop[4]’ is commonly used to refer to the metropolitan of an ecclesiastical province in the Oriental Churches.  The Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO) presents different types of metropolitans. They are: a) Metropolitans inside the Proper Territory, b) Metropolitans outside the Proper Territory, c) Metropolitans designated, d) Titular Metropolitans, e) Metropolitans who are Heads of Churches sui iuris. Let us look at each one in detail:

2.1. Metropolitans inside the Proper Territory

These metropolitans have their Sees within the proper territory of the patriarchal Church[5]. There are suffragan eparchies under each metropolitan province. The Metropolitans of Changanassery, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Thalassery, Ujjain, Kalyan, Shamshabad, and Faridabad are metropolitans with suffragan eparchies within the proper territory of the Syro-Malabar ajor Archiepiscopal Church.

2. 2. Metropolitan without a Saffragan Eparchy 

The Synod of Bishops with the consent of the Apostolic See can elevate an eparchy, inside the proper territory, to the status of a metropolitan province without a suffragan eparchy, when its unique character warrants such a step. The Metropolitan See of Kottayam is the only metropolitan province in the Syro-Malabar Church that has no suffragan eparchy.    

The eparchy of Kottayam was erected exclusively for the Southist (Knanaya) Catholics in 1911. Whenever the territory of the Syro-Malabar Church expanded, the jurisdiction of the eparchy of Kottayam was likewise extended. Since its territory came to span several provinces of the Syro-Malabar Church, the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church granted its consent to elevate Kottayam to the rank of a metropolitan See without a suffragan eparchy. With the approval of the Apostolic See, it was raised to the status of a metropolitan province without a suffragan eparchy in 2005[6].

2. 3. Metropolitans outside the Proper Territory

These are metropolitans of a patriarchal Church who have their Sees outside the proper territory (CCEO cc. 146–150). They enjoy all powers of a metropolitan inside proper territory except the power to ordain bishops of the province. Examples include the Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia in the USA and the Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg in Canada. There are no such metropolitans in the Syro-Malabar Church.

2. 4. Metropolitans Designated

An eparchial bishop may be designated as a metropolitan by the eparchial bishops outside the proper territory of the patriarchal Church, after consulting the patriarch and receiving the approval of the Apostolic See (cf. CCEO can. 139). The intention of the legislator is that every eparchial bishop should be subject to the authority of a metropolitan. Outside the proper territory, if no metropolitan structure exists, the eparchial bishops may designate a metropolitan[7].

This metropolitan does not enjoy all the powers of metropolitans inside the proper territory of the patriarchal Church, such as ordaining bishops of his province, convoking the metropolitan synod, or being commemorated during the liturgy by other bishops and clerics (CCEO cc. 139, 135, 136).

There is, however, a possibility of having such a metropolitan in the Syro-Malabar Church. The Eparchial Bishops of Chicago (USA), Great Britain (UK), Melbourne (Australia), and Mississauga (Canada) can designate one among them as Metropolitan after consulting the Major Archbishop and receiving prior approval of the Apostolic See. The law does not prohibit having eparchies under a metropolitan in different countries[8]. This provision is found only in CCEO.

2. 5. Titular Metropolitans

The CCEO provides for the conferral of the title of Metropolitan (CCEO can. 136) in virtue of one’s See or personal distinction[9]. A titular metropolitan has an arch/eparchy to govern, but without suffragan eparchies. He is not a head of a metropolitan province[10]. The Apostolic See can confer this name to with honorific, also up on other Bishops, both ‘ad persona’ and ‘ad sedem[11].

2. 6. Metropolitans who are Heads of Churches sui iuris

These metropolitans are heads of a Metropolitan Church sui iuris. Appointed by the Roman Pontiff, they preside over a metropolitan See and govern their Church sui iuris with the help of the council of hierarchs. Examples include the Hungarian Church, Ethiopian Church, etc.

In this article, we focus on metropolitans of the proper territory of the Eastern Churches and metropolitans of the Latin Church.

3. Pallium of Metropolitans

The pallium is a liturgical vestment. It is a white woolen band, about two and a half inches wide, with pendants hanging in the front and back. Adorned with six black silk crosses, it is fastened with gold pins on top of the chasuble. It is made from the wool of two lambs blessed at Saint John Lateran on the feast of Saint Agnes. On the eve of the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the newly woven pallia are taken to the crypt of Saint Peter, where they are blessed by the Roman Pontiff during Vespers. They remain there overnight and are then presented to the new archbishops in a special ceremony on the feast day[12].

3. 1. Pallium of Latin Metropolitans

The pallium is a symbol of the full communion of the metropolitans with the Roman Pontiff and of the supra-episcopal authority exercised by the metropolitan[13]. It is conferred on Latin metropolitans and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem[14].

It is an obligation of Latin metropolitans to obtain the pallium from the Roman Pontiff. Within three months of receiving episcopal consecration, or if already consecrated, within three months of appointment, he must request the pallium from the Pontiff, either personally or through a proxy (CIC can. 437 §1). If a metropolitan is transferred to another metropolitan See, he must request a new pallium within three months (CIC can. 437 §3).

The Latin metropolitan is free to wear the pallium in any church of the ecclesiastical province over which he presides, but he is prohibited from using it outside the province—not even with the consent of the diocesan bishop (CIC can. 437 §2).

3. 2. Pallium for Eastern Metropolitans

In Eastern Catholic Churches, all metropolitans do not need to request the pallium from the Roman Pontiff. Metropolitans of patriarchal and Major Archiepiscopal Churches, whether inside or outside the proper territory, do not request the pallium. These metropolitans are in full communion with the Roman Pontiff through the head of the Church, the Patriarch.

Only the metropolitans of Metropolitan Churches sui iuris are required to request the pallium.
“Within three months of his episcopal ordination or, if already ordained a bishop, from his enthronement, the metropolitan is bound by the obligation to request from the Roman Pontiff the pallium, a symbol of metropolitan power and of the full communion of the Metropolitan Church sui iuris with the Roman Pontiff” (CCEO can. 156 §1).

Just as the Patriarch (not Major Archbishop) cannot convoke a Synod of Bishops or ordain a bishop before receiving ecclesiastical communion from the Roman Pontiff (CCEO can. 77 §2), the metropolitan cannot convoke the council of hierarchs or ordain bishops until he receives the pallium (CCEO can. 156 §2).

It is obligatory for a metropolitan of a Metropolitan Church sui iuris to be in communion with the Roman Pontiff before convoking the council of hierarchs or ordaining bishops.
The pallium of Latin metropolitans is a personal sign of communion with the Roman Pontiff, whereas the pallium of the metropolitan (head) of a Metropolitan Church sui iuris is not a personal sign, but a sign of communion of his Church sui iuris with the Roman Pontiff[15].

Unlike the CIC (CIC can. 437 §2), the CCEO is silent on the use of the pallium outside the proper territory. The previous law, Cleri sanctitati can. 321 §3, prohibited metropolitans from using the pallium outside the proper territory[16].

4. Office Attached to a Determined See

The office of a metropolitan is always attached to a determined (Arch)eparchial/diocesan See (CCEO can. 134 §1; CIC can. 435). A metropolitan has all the rights and duties of a diocesan / eparchial bishop in his eparchy (CCEO can. 134 §2; CIC can. 435). He receives the letter of canonical provision from the patriarch. If he is not already a bishop, he is to be ordained and enthroned as metropolitan by the patriarch (CCEO can. 86 §1).

5. Rights and obligations of Metropolitans:

Metropolitans possess certain rights and obligations within their proper province. However, although they hold specific rights and duties, they exercise power of governance over the province in a limited manner. The following are their rights and obligations.

5. 1. Ordination and Enthronement of Bishops in the Province

It is the right of the Eastern metropolitans to ordain and enthrone all bishops of his province (CCEO can. 133, 1°). This provision is absent in the CIC. Latin law does not grant metropolitans the authority to ordain bishops in their province ipso iure. While the patriarch ordains and enthrones metropolitans, the metropolitans ordain and enthrone all bishops of their provinces. Former legislation (Cleri sanctitati c. 319 §5) permitted metropolitans to use the Pontifical in all the eparchies of their province. The CCEO is silent on this matter.

5. 2. Convoking and Presiding over the Metropolitan Synod

In addition to the Synod of Bishops of the patriarchal Church, the metropolitan has the right to convoke the metropolitan synod at times determined by the Synod of Bishops (CCEO can. 133, 2°). This metropolitan synod is solely for the bishops in the metropolitan province (CCEO can. 102 §1).

He not only convokes the synod but also presides over it. He may transfer, postpone, suspend, or dissolve it. It is also his responsibility to prepare the agenda. All and only ordained bishops of the province may participate. Although the CCEO does not specify the competence of the synod, one may legitimately presume that it has legislative power. Laws enacted by this synod are binding only on the faithful of that province. The synod may not promulgate laws contrary to the CCEO or to the particular laws enacted by the Synod of Bishops of the Church sui iuris. Particular law may specify the competence of the metropolitan synod as well as the rights and obligations of metropolitans (CCEO can. 137).

5. 3. To Erect Metropolitan Tribunals

The metropolitan is competent to erect a metropolitan tribunal (CCEO can. 133, 3°). He exercises judicial authority on behalf of the province, as he may constitute his own tribunal to serve as the appellate tribunal for decisions of eparchial tribunals (CCEC can. 1068 §1)[17].

5. 4. Vigilance over the Eparchies/Dioceses

It is the right and obligation of the metropolitan to exercise vigilance in matters of faith and ecclesiastical discipline over the eparchies/ dioceses of his province (CCEO can. 133, 4°; CIC can. 436, 1°). “However, with due regard for those exceptions explicitly mentioned in common law and which could be enacted by particular law, the metropolitan does not have the right to intervene, but only to report it to the competent authority”[18]. The function of vigilance does not grant the metropolitan the right to conduct a canonical visitation of a suffragan diocese  / eparchy on his own initiative[19]. If serious indiscipline or abuse is found, the metropolitan must report the matter to the Patriarch in the Eastern Churches or to the Roman Pontiff in the Latin Church (CIC can. 436 §1, 1°).

5. 5. Conducting Canonical Visitation

A pastoral visitation must be conducted in all parishes and non-exempt institutions of an eparchy/ diocese at least once every five years (CCEO can. 205 §1; CIC can. 396 §1). This is normally the responsibility of the eparchial/diocesan bishop and must be carried out personally unless legitimately impeded. If he is unable, he may send a coadjutor bishop, auxiliary bishop, protosyncellus/vicar general, syncellus/episcopal vicar, or another priest.

If the eparchial bishop fails to conduct the visitation, the metropolitan must do so (CCEO can. 133, 5°; CIC can. 436 §1, 2°). Under the former legislation, the metropolitan needed the patriarch’s permission before conducting the visitation. In the Latin Church, if a diocesan bishop neglects the canonical visitation, the metropolitan may conduct it after receiving approval from the Roman Pontiff (CIC can. 436 §1, 2°). The CCEO no longer requires such permission from the patriarch.

5. 6. Appointing a Finance Officer

The office of the finance officer is mandatory in every eparchy/diocese. The eparchial/diocesan bishop has the serious obligation to appoint one. If he fails to do so, after a warning from the metropolitan, the metropolitan must appoint the finance officer (CCEO can. 133, 6°; CIC can. 436 §1, 3°).

5. 7. Appointing a Diocesan Administrator

In the Latin Church, the college of consultors must elect a diocesan administrator within eight days of notification of a vacancy (CIC can. 421 §1). If the college of consultors could not elect a diocesan administrator, the metropolitan has a right and duty to appoint a diocesan administrator (CIC can. 421 §2).

When an eparchy becomes vacant, the power of the eparchial bishop transfers to the patriarch until an administrator is appointed (CCEO can. 220). Administrator is appointed by the patriarch in the proper territory (CCEO can 220, 3⁰). Therefore, the Eastern metropolitan has no role when an eparchy becomes vacant.

5. 8. Appointing/Confirming Persons in Offices

If an eparchial bishop fails to appoint or confirm someone who is elected or proposed to an office, the metropolitan has the right and obligation to appoint or confirm after giving due warning.
For example, if an eparchial bishop does not erect a finance council or presbyteral council, the metropolitan may intervene after warning him (CCEO can. 133, 6°).

Even when appointed by the metropolitan, the person does not fall under the metropolitan’s authority (CCEO can. 945). His juridical condition is the same as if he had been appointed by the eparchial bishop (CCEO can. 945)[20].

5. 9. Representation of the Province

The metropolitan province enjoys public juridic personality and is represented by the metropolitan in all ecclesiastical and civil matters (CCEO can. 133 §2)

5. 10. Liturgical Commemoration  

In the Eastern Churches, commemoration of the hierarch is a public and solemn affirmation of communion. As a sign of submission to the authority of the metropolitan, the bishops and clergy of his province are to take out his name according to the liturgical prescriptions[21]. Therefore, in the Eastern Churches, metropolitans are to be commemorated by all bishops and clerics in the divine liturgy and the divine praises according to the prescriptions of the liturgical books (CCEO can. 135). There is no parallel canon in the CIC.

Deliberate refusal to commemorate the metropolitan is a clear sign of a lack of communion with him. After due warning, offenders may incur penalties including major excommunication (CCEO can. 1438).

5. 11. Liturgical Prerogatives of Metropolitans in the Latin Church

The metropolitan of the Latin Church may celebrate sacred functions in all churches of the province as if he were a bishop in his own diocese. If he wishes to celebrate in the cathedral of a suffragan diocese, he has to notify the diocesan bishop beforehand. This is only information, not a permission (CIC can. 436 §3). The suffragan bishop has no legal right to prevent the metropolitan from celebrating liturgical functions in his cathedral[22]. This privilege given to Latin metropolitans is not granted to metropolitans of the Eastern Churches in the CCEO.

 5. 12. Precedence over a Titular Metropolitans

All metropolitans have precedence over all eparchial bishops. However, a metropolitan who presides over an ecclesiastical province enjoys precedence over one who holds only a titular dignity of metropolitan by virtue of his See or personal distinction (CCEO can. 136).

5. 13. Duties in Sexual and other Related Abuse Cases:

In his Apostolic letter issued motu proprio, Vos Estis Lux Mundi, dated 25 March 2023, Pope Francis entrusted certain responsibilities to metropolitans of both the Eastern and Latin Churches for investigating cases of sexual and related abuse, as well as for addressing instances of cover-up or negligence by bishops and religious superiors. Upon receiving a credible report against a suffragan bishop, auxiliary bishop, or another equivalent cleric accused of such offenses, the metropolitan must immediately inform the competent Dicastery of the Roman Curia. Unless otherwise directed by the Dicastery, the metropolitan then proceeds with the investigation. The Apostolic letter further assigns metropolitans a few more duties related to this matter[23].

 

5. 14. Other Minor Roles of Metropolitans

If the presbyteral council of an eparchy is no longer functioning properly, the eparchial bishop may dissolve it. Before doing so, he must consult the metropolitan (CCEO can. 270 §3). If he fails to consult the metropolitan, the act is invalid (CCEO can. 934 §2, 2°).

Diocesan / eparchial bishops are bound by the law of residence (CCEO c. 204 §1; CIC can. 395 §1). They may not be absent from the diocese for more than one month without cause (CIC can. 395 §2). If a bishop is absent for more than six months, the metropolitan must notify the Apostolic See (CIC can. 395 §4). This responsibility is not given to metropolitans of Eastern Churches inside the proper territory; rather, the patriarch must communicate the matter to the Apostolic See. Metropolitans outside the proper territory must notify the Apostolic See as in the Latin Church (CCEO can. 204 §4).

In the Latin Church, the papal legate has a significant role in the appointment of diocesan bishops, coadjutor bishops, and auxiliary bishops. He must send the list of possible candidates (terna) to the Apostolic See after personally consulting the metropolitan and the other bishops of the province (CIC can. 377 §3). Therefore, metropolitan is to be consulted by the papal legate in this regard.

In the Latin Church, once a diocesan bishop takes canonical possession of the diocese, he must designate a few priests who would govern the diocese if the See is impeded, provided there is no coadjutor bishop. If there is an auxiliary bishop, he may include him in the list. The bishop is free to choose these priests. The list must be communicated to the metropolitan and kept in the secret archive (CIC can. 413 §1). There is no parallel canon in the eastern code.

It is the responsibility of the diocesan bishop of the Latin Church to communicate the text of the declarations and decrees of the diocesan synod to the metropolitan and to the Episcopal Conference (CIC can. 467). The CCEO has no such requirement for eparchial bishops.

6. Transfer of a Metropolitan  

The patriarch, with the consent of the Synod of Bishops, may transfer a metropolitan within the proper territory for a grave reason (CCEO can. 85 §2). Transfer may not be made for a mere just reason but only for a grave reason. The patriarch must consult the bishop concerned. The bishop must consent. If he refuses, the Synod of Bishops must resolve the matter or refer it to the Roman Pontiff (CCEO can. 85 §2, 2°). If coercive measures are used, the bishop may appeal to the Roman Pontiff[24]. A metropolitan may be transferred to another metropolitan See, but not to an eparchial See. Such a transfer would diminish his status and would be considered a penalty (CCEO can. 1433 §1).

7. Possibility of Enacting Particular Laws on Metropolitans

We have seen the rights and obligations of the metropolitan in CCEO can. 133. The Synod of Bishops may more precisely define the roles and functions of metropolitans in the proper territory. When enacting particular laws, the synod may not legislate contrary to common law (CCEO can. 985 §2). The synod must also consider the customs of the Church sui iuris and the circumstances of time and place (CCEO c. 137).

The Latin Code states: “Where circumstances require it, the Apostolic See can give the metropolitan special functions and powers, to be determined in particular law” (CIC can. 436 §2).

8. Conclusion:

When we make a comparative study of metropolitans in the Latin Church and those of the Eastern Patriarchal Churches, we can observe both similarities and certain differences. While metropolitans of the Latin Church enjoy certain privileges, metropolitans of the Patriarchal Churches enjoy some other privileges. It should be understood that all metropolitans are archbishops, but not all archbishops are metropolitans. The Eastern Code enumerates five types of metropolitans. The use of the pallium is primarily for Latin metropolitans, and among the metropolitans of the Eastern Church, only those who head a Metropolitan Church sui iuris use it as a symbol of communion with the Roman Pontiff. It is the prerogative right of the metropolitans of the Patriarchal Church to ordain bishops within their metropolitan province. It is the exclusive right of Latin metropolitans to preside over liturgical functions in any of the churches within their metropolitan province, including cathedrals. At the same time, it is a unique privilege of metropolitans of the Patriarchal Church that they are commemorated during the liturgy and in canonical prayers throughout the entire province, after the Roman Pontiff and the Patriarch, by bishops and priests. Both exercise authority over their respective metropolitan provinces.

 

About the Author:

Mathew John Puthenparambil

Mathew John Puthenparambil was born in Rajapuram, Kerala. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Bijnor in 1998. He holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from H.N. Bahuguna Garhwal University, Uttarakhand, and secured a doctorate in Canon Law from the Urban University, Rome, in 2013.

He has served the Diocese of Bijnor in various capacities, including Youth Director, Parish Priest, Chancellor and Director of the Pastoral Centre. He also served the Archdiocese of Faridabad as Chancellor, Judicial Vicar, and Parish Priest. He teaches both Eastern and Latin Canon Law in seminaries and has contributed scholarly articles to various publications.

He is currently the resident staff at St. Ephrem Theological College, Satna.

 

 



[1] Thomas Pazhayampillil and Anton Padinjarathala, Pastoral Guide, Vol 3, Kristu Jyoti Publications, Bangalore, 2013, p. 606.

[2] Victor J. Pospishil, Eastern Catholic Church Law, New York, Saint Maron Publications, 1996, p. 177.

[3] Peter Erdő, “Metropolitans” in Angel Marzoa, Jorge Miras and Rafael Rodriguez-ocana (Eds), Exegetical Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, Vol II/1, Montreal, Wilson & Lafleur, 2004, p. 946.

[4] Vatican Council II uses the phrase “Metropolitan Archbishop” in Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church, Christus Dominus, No. 40

[5] Wherever patriarch/patriarchal Church is mentioned in this article, it is applicable to Major Archbishop/Major Archiepiscopal Church unless it is mentioned otherwise.

[6] Synodal News, Bulletin of the Syro Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church, Vol 1 & 2, December 2005, pp. 60-61.

[7] John D. Faris, Designated Metropolitans, in John D. Faris and Jobe Abbass (Eds), A Practical Commentary to the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, Vol 1, Chambly, Wilson & Lafleur inc, 2019, p. 358.

[9] John D. Faris, Eastern Catholic Churches: Constitution and Governance, New York, Saint Maron Publication, 1992, p. 337; Victor J. Pospishil, Eastern Catholic Church Law, p. 178.

[10] Victor J. Pospishil, Eastern Catholic Church Law, p. 178.

[11] Peter Erdő, “Metropolitans” in Angel Marzoa, Jorge Miras and Rafael Rodriguez-ocana (Eds), Exegetical Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, Vol II/1, Montreal, Wilson & Lafleur, 2004, p. 946.

[12] John G. Johnson, “Grouping of Particular Churches” in John P. Beal, James A. Coriden and Thomas J. Green (Eds), New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, Bangalore, Theological Publications in India, 2004, p. 575.

[13] John D. Faris, Eastern Catholic Churches: Constitution and Governance, p. 378.

[14] Paul VI, Motu proprio Inter eximia, 11 May 1978, AAS 70 (1978), p. 442. John G. Johnson, “Grouping of Particular Churches”, p. 576.

[16] John D. Faris, Eastern Catholic Churches: Constitution and Governance, p. 378.

[17] John D. Faris, Eastern Catholic Churches: Constitution and Governance, p. 335.

[18] John D. Faris, Eastern Catholic Churches: Constitution and Governance p. 335.

[19] Peter Erdő, “Metropolitans” in Angel Marzoa, Jorge Miras and Rafael Rodriguez-ocana (Eds), Exegetical Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, Vol II/1, Montreal, Wilson & Lafleur, 2004, p. 952.

[21] Frederick C. Easton, “Penalties for Individual Delicts”, in John D. Faris and Jobe Abbass (Eds), A Practical Commentary to the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, Chambly, vol. 2, Wilson & Lafleur inc, 2019, p. 2573.

[23] Pope Francis, Apostolic Letter Issued Motu Proprio, Vos Estis Lux Mundi, 25 March 2023. 

 

[24] John D. Faris, Eastern Catholic Churches: Constitution and Governance, p. 251.

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