Catholic commission proposes canon law reforms for lay participation

A canonical commission established by Pope Francis has released a final report proposing reforms to the Code of Canon Law to increase the participation of laymen and laywomen in Church governance. The proposals, stemming from the Synod on Synodality, suggest amending 34 canons to better enable qualified laypeople to exercise various offices, roles, and ministries.

Coordinated by Archbishop Filippo Iannone, the commission noted that while current provisions allow for lay involvement, they are often overlooked and require stronger affirmation to be effective. The report emphasizes that these changes are intended to adapt legal provisions to the theological conclusions of the synodal process without diminishing the decision-making authority of the Pope or local bishops.

In the long term, the commission identified a need for a complete revision of both the Code of Canon Law and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches to reflect emerging theological and ecclesiological issues. Cardinal Mario Grech, the synod’s secretary-general, stated that reflecting on the norms governing the Church’s organization is a necessary companion to theological reflection. The proposals are not binding and await examination by the Pope.