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Analysis

What to make of Pope Leo’s Eastern canonical reform

A new legal mechanism for synods to remove their patriarchs is seen by some Easterners as backdoor for Roman intervention.

Ed. Condon and JD Flynn
Sep 01, 2026
∙ Paid

Pope Leo XIV issued on Saturday a reform to the Code of Canons for Eastern Churches, the common legal framework for the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches sui iuris. The new law creates a mechanism for the synods of the Eastern Churches to depose from office their patriarchs if they cause “irreparable damage” to the communion of Church.

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