Pope allows synods of Uniate Churches to remove their primates

UGCC head Sviatoslav Shevchuk and Pope Leo XIV. Photo: UGCC

Pope Leo XIV has authorized the synods of the Eastern Catholic Churches to remove their patriarchs from office, subject to subsequent approval by the Vatican. The pontiff issued the relevant apostolic letter motu proprio titled Mutua Concordia, EWTN News reports.

The document amends Canons 106 and 126 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. Under the new provisions, bishops are empowered to remove a patriarch from office when serious reasons exist. At the same time, the law guarantees the patriarch facing removal the right to a full defense before the synod.

The pontiff emphasized the importance of mutual accord between the patriarch and the episcopate, calling this bond the soul of ecclesial communion. In his view, a rupture of this sacred bond inflicts a serious wound on the entire structure of the Church. In such situations of crisis, the synod of bishops must have the authority to remedy the situation.

The final decision, however, still rests with the pope, who retains the exclusive right to approve or reject the bishops’ ruling. According to Leo XIV, this requirement guarantees the synod fathers complete freedom in their vote and protects them from external pressure. The decree took effect immediately.

As the UOJ reported, Pope Leo called on Orthodox Christians to pursue visible Church unity.

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