Where Canon Law Connects with Caritas: The Norms of Intima Ecclesiae Natura. A Year of Mercy Examination of Challenges to Compliance in a US Context1

Pope Francis is often referred to as the Pope of Charity, but for canonists it is perhaps Pope Benedict XVI's writings in Deus Caritas Est and Intima Ecclesiae natura that afford him that title. From both personal reflections and knowledge of the legislation itself, the author examines the genesis and development of Intima Ecclesiae natura and asks how its principles can be implemented in the local Church.