Reclaiming "Pastoral": Pascite gregem Dei and Its Vision of Penal Law

Pascite gregem Dei, the apostolic constitution by means of which, on May 23, 2021 Pope Francis promulgated a revised version of the penal norms of the CIC 1983, offers insight into the guiding principles and motives behind this revision. While the project was begun in 2007 under Pope Benedict XVI, the revision clearly bears the hallmarks of Pope Francis' concerns for the responsible exercise of the munus pastorale Episcopi. With Pascite gregem Dei, Francis situates the proper use of penal law squarely in the "pastoral" mission of the bishop, in a manner that echoes the legislation of the early Church, as well as the ecclesiology of Vatican II. He reminds the reader of the harm that has been done by the improper use, or non-use, of penal sanctions in the life of the Church, and that the use of penal sanctions is intimately related to genuine charity. As society changes, the law of the Church must also adapt, to better respond to the needs of the People of God for both personal and communal holiness.