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Pope Leo XIV Authorizes Eastern Synods to Remove Patriarchs for Grave Cause
In a motu proprio titled Mutua concordia, published on 29 August, Pope Leo XIV issued an Apostolic Letter amending canons 106 and 126 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. The decree grants the Synod of Bishops of Eastern Catholic Churches—as well as Major Archiepiscopal Churches—the power to remove their Patriarch if the communion between them is irreparably compromised for serious reasons.
Key Provisions & Procedure
Convocation: If a Patriarch fails to fulfill his duties, the most senior bishop by episcopal ordination entitled to vote may lawfully convoke the Synod (passing down the line of seniority as needed).
Request for Resignation: Under the modified Canon 126, the Synod may formally request the Patriarch's resignation for a recognized grave cause.
Removal Vote: If the Patriarch refuses to resign, a newly elected Synod President will oversee a secret ballot. Removal requires a minimum two-thirds majority, provided the Patriarch is granted a full right to defend himself before the assembly.
Papal Assent: The patriarchal see becomes vacant only after the Roman Pontiff reviews the decision and grants final assent. This safeguard ensures the Synod acts free from internal or external pressure.
Context & Purpose
The Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches previously offered no clear procedure for handling a fundamental breakdown between a Patriarch—who acts as father and head (pater et caput)—and his Synod. Responding to requests from Eastern prelates, Pope Leo XIV established these rules to protect ecclesial unity and empower the sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches to resolve internal rifts directly, while preserving the Pope’s role as the final guarantor of the process.
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