Skip to content

Pope Francis issues motu proprio on Vatican judiciary retirement age and benefits

In the latest move in Pope Francis’ reform of the Vatican judiciary, the pope issued a new motu proprio on Friday on the retirement age and benefits for cardinal judges and magistrates in the Vatican’s court system.

The April 19 motu proprio states that Vatican magistrates will retire at the end of the judicial year in which they turn 75 and cardinal judges at the age of 80, unless Pope Francis asks them to remain in office beyond the age limit.

Magistrates and judges who wish to resign from office before the retirement age can only do so with the approval of the pope.

The pope also has the prerogative to dismiss magistrates unable to fulfill their duties at any time. Upon the termination of their duties, magistrates will retain the rights to assistance and welfare provided to Vatican citizens and employees.

The motu proprio, which will go into effect the day after its publication, amends the Church’s Law on the Judicial System of Vatican City State. 

The changes stipulate that the pope can appoint the president of the court’s successor to serve as an assistant in the year leading up to the president’s retirement.

The amended law also states that magistrates who have retired are entitled to full pension benefits from Vatican City State regardless of whether they receive other payments of a similar nature accrued in another country. 

Other articles in the motu proprio enumerate the laws governing the salary structure, retirement benefits, and civil liability for Vatican magistrates.

Pope Francis wrote in his brief introduction to the amendments that “the experience gained over the last few years in the administration of justice has led to the need for a series of interventions relating to the judicial system of the Vatican City State.”

He said that the changes aim to promote “the professional dignity and economic treatment of the ordinary magistrates of the Tribunal and the Office of the Promoter of Justice.”

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

What Does It Mean That Almost half of the New Cardinals Are From Religious Orders?

Out of the 21 cardinals who were created Dec. 7 in Pope Francis’ 10th consistory at the Vatican, 10 new cardinals — almost half — are members of religious congregations or institutes.

Pope Francis in Hungary 2023. A journey with an eye to the future of Europe

Sept 12, 2021: Closing mass IEC 2020 with Pope Francis in Heroes' Square (Budapest)

Vaticano Updates: Bells of Notre-Dame Ring Again

Notre Dame’s bells rang for the first time since the fire. Pope Francis hailed it as prophetic. He promoted the Rosary for the Jubilee, added St. Isaac to the Martyrology, and prayers were asked for a priest in Singapore.

Pope Francis to Catholic LGBTQ Leader: ‘Thank you for your Ministry’

A Kentucky man involved in LGBTQ Catholic ministry has posted a letter online he says he received earlier this month from Pope Francis thanking him for his work.

Students Use ‘Hands, Head, and Heart’ To Learn Dying Trades at Vatican Art School

Recent high school and college graduates are studying some of the world’s historic arts and trades at a new school run by St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Francis creates independent supervisory commission for Rome Diocese

Pope Francis on Wednesday created a new independent supervisory commission for the Diocese of Rome. The commission will

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNit