The Relation between the Apostolic Signatura and the Particular Churches

The author addresses the relation between the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura and the local or particular Churches. First, he sets the context in which the subject must be addressed. Then, he addresses the various areas of competence of the Apostolic Signatura in relation to the local Church, with special attention to its competence as an administrative tribunal and as the dicastery which “ensures that justice in the Church is correctly administered.” Finally, in his treatment of the competence for the correct administration of justice in the Church, the author provides a longer reflection on the process for the declaration of nullity of marriage, a topic of special discussion during the time of preparation for the upcoming III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Special reference is made to question 4f of the Preparatory Document Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelization. The reflection is a particular fruit of the long experience of the Apostolic Signatura in the care for the correct administration of justice in the Church.