Pope Leo XIV introduces new rules for removing Eastern Catholic patriarchs

Pope Leo XIV has issued an apostolic letter, 'Mutua concordia', introducing new procedures for the removal of patriarchs within Eastern Catholic patriarchal and major archiepiscopal churches. The reform modifies canons 106 and 126 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches to address situations where communion is broken.

Under the new rules, a Synod of Bishops may remove a patriarch for grave cause. The process begins with the Synod requesting the patriarch's resignation. If refused, the most senior bishop by episcopal ordination will elect a new president of the Synod, which then conducts a secret vote. A two-thirds majority is required for removal, and the patriarch must be granted the right to a full defense before the assembly.

The Pope's role in this process is to grant or withhold assent to the Synod's decision. This mechanism is intended to ensure the freedom of the Fathers to make choices without undue internal or external pressure. The reform emphasizes that while a patriarch is the 'First' among bishops, he cannot be considered independent of the Synod.