Contributi di Massimo del Pozzo

The perspective of 'Praedicate Evangelium' regarding liturgical abuses

ABSTRACT: The paper examines the transformations made by the Ap. const. Praedicate Evangelium [= EP] regarding the contrast of liturgical abuses. Beginning with the problem of celebratory propriety that emerged in the context of postconciliar disbandment, it first examines the essential features of the case of abusiveness (the frequency of the conduct, the erroneous presumption of justification for the conduct, and the prominence of the authoritative condition) and, then, the main magisterial and papal directive interventions. Article 66 PB outlined a specific supervisory function on the part of the Congregation for Worship. PE, indulging the criterion of decentralizing co-responsibility, stimulates awareness of its own attributions and the specific responsibility of the bishops in ensuring the observance of liturgical norms. Article 96 EP therefore makes explicit the duties of the episcopal office and the supporting and assisting role of the Dicastery. The elimination of abusiveness is expressly linked with increased liturgical formation. The normative change does not change the essence of ecclesial discipline; however, it requires a qualitative leap in the pastoral solicitude of bishops (the most significant contribution is the deontological call). An in-depth theoretical and practical study of the problem of liturgical abusiveness, without trespassing on casuistry, can help complete the cultural and regulatory turnaround underway.

SOMMARIO: 1. Il sentito problema della correttezza celebrativa - 2. L’inquadramento della fattispecie abusiva - 3. Gli interventi magisteriali e direttivi pontifici - 4. La disciplina dell’art. 66 della ‘Pastor bonus’ - 5. Il nuovo approccio di ‘Praedicate Evangelium’ - 5.1. Il contesto della riforma curiale - 5.2. L’art. 96 di ‘Praedicate Evangelium’ - 5.3. La responsabilità episcopale - 6. L’opportuno collegamento con la formazione liturgica - 7. Un mutamento disciplinare o attitudinale?

SOMMARIO: 1. La valenza costituzionale della riforma della Curia romana - 2. La linea della ‘universalitas participata et pluralis Ecclesiae’ - 3. I beni della comunione e l’architettura delle Istituzioni curiali - 4. La congenita strumentalità dell’Istituzione curiale - 5. L’orizzonte istituzionale del servizio della Curia romana - 5.1. La vicarietà potestativa - 5.2. La cooperazione organica al servizio primaziale - 5.3. La corresponsabilità decentralizzante - 6. L’orizzonte personale del servizio della Curia romana - 6.1. La professionalità e la laicità - 6.2. La pastoralità e la spiritualità - 6.3. L’universalità e la temporaneità degli incarichi - 7. La promozione della razionalità e funzionalità della Curia - 8. Il cammino sinodale della riforma.

A ‘Structural’ Reading of “Praedicate Evangelium”

ABSTRACT: The article examines the (indirect and limited) constitutional value of the reform of the Roman Curia. The basic framework of Praedicate Evangelium is connected to the missionary impulse instilled by pontificate of Francis in the shared and plural structure of universality. The service of the Curia to the Church and to the world is founded upon its instrumental institutional character and on the maximum possible distribution of and participation in the goods of communion. Beyond the regulative aspects, this normative intervention develops various vectors and features of organization. At the institutional level, the vicarious dimension of power, the organic cooperation between the curial institutions and the decentralizing co-responsibility in the role of the episcopacy emerge. At the personal level, there is the encouragement of professional roles, of laity, of pastorality and spirituality, of the universality, and of the temporary nature of the offices. The criteria of rationality and functionality synthesize the aspiration to revise the central government. The reform of the Curia denotes a significant passage of the synodal way of the Church, which provides reasons for certain ecclesiological and speculative analysis, as well as for the perfection of canonical knowledge from a constitutional viewpoint.

SOMMARIO: 1. Il rilievo “esemplare” (ma contenuto) di un istituto nuovo e peculiare - 2. Un bilancio ancora parziale e limitato - 3. Uno sguardo generale sulla situazione mondiale: motivi di soddisfazione - 4. Un uso ragionevole del rito breviore - 5. La “non scontata” soluzione del giudizio episcopale - 6. La “relativa” controtendenza statunitense - 7. La focalizzazione su alcune situazioni particolari: motivi di preoccupazione - 8. Un’adozione territorialmente molto sbilanciata - 9. La renitenza di alcuni episcopati - 10. L’anomalia sudamericana e africana - 11. L’impressione di un’applicazione troppo diversificata e disomogenea - 12. Il riscontro estensivo o applicativo - 13. Il riscontro intensivo o procedimentale - 14. Trend e prospettive di sviluppo.

The Course of the Statistical Data regarding the ‘Processus Matrimonialis Brevior coram Episcopo’: Motives for Contentment and Some Preoccupations

ABSTRACT: The article analyzes the course of the statistical data on the abbreviated matrimonial process before the bishop. Although the data is still uncertain and limited (since it covers the period 2016-2019 and only certain targeted statistical points), it is possible to generally acknowledge that the practice is fairly restrained and reasonable. Regardless of the fact that the appeals were very rare, the admission to the processus brevior does not seem to denote a definitive institutional solution (the emergence of a number of cases in which the matter was referred to the ordinary method). Even in the United States, a representative country regarding the ecclesiastic judicial activity and problems with regard to said activity, the number of the briefer processes seems to be fairly moderate. Since the briefer process represents a special type of process, the cautious and thought-out reception of this institute points to a certain maturity of the system. The data show some reserves regarding the adoption of this institute in some territories, as well as the resistance of certain bishops, together with certain anomalies in its development in South America and Africa. The impression upon analyzing the data is that the enforcement of the institute is still too diversified and that it lacks homogeneity, either in its territorial extension or with regard to the intensity of the enforcement of the institute. The author then perceives the need for a greater extent of directive interventions and authoritative instructions, while he outlines certain trends and prospects for development.

SOMMARIO: 1. Premessa d’inquadramento: la ‘centralità’ derivata del Vicario giudiziale - 2. La revisione della fase introduttiva e impugnatoria (con minimi riferimenti statistici) - 3. L’individuazione soggettiva della figura - 4. Un riscontro sintetico alla luce dell’art. 46 DC. - 5. Il discernimento e l’orientamento della forma processuale adeguata - 6. Le spettanze del Vicario giudiziale nei diversi tipi di processo - 7. Le competenze del Vicario giudiziale nel processo ordinario - 8. Le competenze del Vicario giudiziale nel processo più breve davanti al Vescovo - 9. Le competenze del Vicario giudiziale nel processo documentale - 10. La motivazione dei provvedimenti e i possibili ricorsi - 11. Le difficoltà operative e le problematiche aperte.

The extension of the procedural role of the Judicial Vicar in the “system” of the Mitis iudex

ABSTRACT: In the MIDI system, the centrality of the Bishop is also associated with the strengthening of the role of the Judicial Vicar, especially in the introductory and executive phase. This contribution examines first of all the identification of the minister and the possible extension of the introductory powers to the Assistant Judicial Vicars, and then dwells on the function of discernment and orientation of the procedural form. The duties relating to each procedural mode (ordinary, abbreviated and documentary) are then specifically and analytically outlined. The analysis ends with possible appeals against the initial measures and the determination of the attributions between the interdiocesan and diocesan Judicial Vicar, especially with reference to the processus brevior. The training and responsibility of the Judicial Vicar is crucial to ensure the proper implementation of the reform.

SOMMARIO: 1. La celebrazione del giorno del Signore - 2. L’ascendenza e lo sviluppo dell’obbligo - 3. Dalle origini del cristianesimo alle prime disposizioni canoniche - 4. La concezione del precetto nella canonistica classica - 5. Dalla disciplina tridentina alla codificazione piano benedettina - 6. L’attuale regolamentazione normativa - 7. La genesi dei canoni - 8. Il contenuto delle disposizioni codiciali - 9. Gli sviluppi e le indicazioni successive - 10. Il fondamento e la logica della partecipazione eucaristica - 11. La “sostanzialità” della prescrizione celebrativa - 12. L’incentivo e la riscoperta della pratica domenicale.

The Foundation, Logic and Content of the Eucharistic Observance of the Precept Regarding Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation

Abstract: This article examines the foundation and ratio of the eucharistic observance of the precept regarding Sundays and holy days of obligation, beginning with an overview of the question within both canonical tradition and current normative logic The historical-conceptual excursus highlights the maine phases of the formation of ecclesiastical discipline, while the analysis of current regulations demonstrates the continuity of normative provisions and eventual refinements. The dimension of justice manifests, above all, the social and institutional value of the precept, while the essential and particular characteristics of Christian holidays are also related to the communal and sacramental nature of the celebration. The logic behind the precept corresponds, then, to the solidarity, historicity, rationality and humanity of its observance. The regard for the “centrality of the Mass” leads to a respect for the substantiality and integrity of the good that is due. The incentive for and rediscovery of the Sunday practice depend primarily on catechetical and formative activity, but cannot be separated from juridical and directive contributions or the responsibility of members of the faithful and pastors.

SOMMARIO: 1. Panoramica della scienza costituzionale agli albori del secolo - 2. L’impronta costituzionalistica insita nel metodo codiciale - 3. La prospettiva materiale o oggettiva della “idea costituzionale” soggiacente al CIC 17 - 4. La prospettiva formale della strutturazione societaria emergente dal CIC - 5. Il centralismo - 6. L’autoritarismo - 7. Il clericalismo - 8. Valutazione di sintesi dell’ottica costituzionalistica codiciale.

The canonical constitutional science in the didification of 1917

ABSTRACT: Presuming a panoramic summary of constitutional science within canonical thought in the period immediately prior to the Pio-Benedictine Code, this author’s contribution seeks to delineate the material and formal perspectives of the cornerstones of the canonical system that have been assumed by the Legislator. The method of a Code entails, first of all, a complete and organic systematization of the law of the Church. The “constitutional idea” underlying the CIC appears, though, to be firmly anchored to the Church’s hierarchical constitution. As we know, the common figure of the faithful; the active role of the laity; the communal structure of the People of God; the original nature of the episcopacy and the effects of collegiality; the significance of the particular Church; etc. (which will overwhelmingly emerge in the Vatican Council II), are considerably obscured, if not altogether absent, in the prior structure of the Code. This contribution demonstrates the manner in which centralism, authoritarism and clericalism emerge as critical points of orientation in the “positivation” of the canonical system, taking into consideration its logical and conceptual structure without descending into a specific analysis of canons and institutions. While the limitations examined reflect the state of theological and canonical speculation of the time, the new legislative form has ensured the presence of order and balance in the system, heralding its maturation and development.

SOMMARIO: 1. La logica dell'istanza di reclamo introduttorio - 2. Il mutamento di prospettiva della riforma - 3. Il ricorso avverso la reiezione del libello - 4. Il ricorso relativo alla scelta della forma processuale - 5. Il ricorso contro la fissazione della formula del dubbio - 6. Una ricostruzione ancora "in itinere".

SOMMARIO: 1. I principi cardine della riforma - 2. Il "disegno legislativo" sulla modalità degli organi giudiziari - 3. Considerazioni sulle distinte tipologie di tribunali - 3.1. Il giudizio personale del Vescovo - 3.2. I tribunali diocesani - 3.3. I tribunali interdiocesani - 3.4 I tribunali viciniori - 3.5. I tribunali di seconda istanza - 4. Le integrazioni concernenti gli uffici e le mansioni - 5. Le facoltà concesse al Moderatore - 6. La centralità del Vescovo diocesano e l'attuazione della riforma.