|
39. The good of souls requires fitting boundaries not only for
dioceses but also for ecclesiastical provinces; indeed it sometimes
counsels the establishment of new ecclesiastical regions. Thus the
needs of the apostolate will be better met in keeping with social and
local circumstances. Thus, too, the relationships of the bishops
with each other and with their metropolitans, and with other bishops of
the same nation and even between bishops and civil authorities will be
rendered easier and more fruitful.
40. Therefore, in order to accomplish these aims this sacred synod
decrees as follows:
|
1) The boundaries of ecclesiastical provinces are to be submitted to an
early review and the rights and privileges of metropolitans are to be
defined by new and suitable norms.
2) As a general rule all dioceses and other territorial divisions that
are by law equivalent to dioceses should be attached to an
ecclesiastical province. Therefore dioceses which are now directly
subject to the Apostolic See and which are not united to any other are
either to be brought together to form a new ecclesiastical province, if
that be possible, or else attached to that province which is nearer or
more convenient. They are to be made subject to the metropolitan
jurisdiction of the bishop, in keeping with the norms of the common law.
3) Wherever advantageous, ecclesiastical provinces should be grouped
into ecclesiastical regions for the structure of which juridical
provision is to be made.
41. It is fitting that the competent episcopal conferences examine
the question of boundaries of such provinces and the establishment of
regions in keeping with the norms given with respect to diocesan
boundaries in numbers 23-24. They are then to submit their
suggestions and desires to the Apostolic See.
|
|
|
|