Precis: The Code of Canon law (Codex Iuris Canonici) provides for the loss of any ecclesiastical office, including that of a diocesan bishop, for a “grave cause” (cc. 192-193). Pope Francis’ motu proprio Come una madre amorevole goes further when it pointedly stipulates that negligence in the exercise of their office is such a “grave cause”, particularly in connection with cases of clerical sexual malfeasance. The motu proprio establishes procedural norms for the removal of diocesan bishops for negligence in this regard.
Come una madre amorevole
