The Petrine privilege is a regulation within the Catholic Church that grants the Pope the authority to annul a marriage between a baptized individual and an unbaptized individual, in cases where the Pauline privilege is not applicable and it would be advantageous for the church. Typically, this is employed to dissolve a prior marriage of a Catholic, but it is also utilised on occasion when a baptized non-Catholic desires to wed a Catholic. In exceptional circumstances, it may also be employed to dissolve the marriage of two unbaptized non-Catholics, if one of them intends to marry a Catholic.
The Petrine privilege, a term in Ecclesiastical law, grants the Pope the authority to annul a marriage between a baptized spouse and an unbaptized spouse. This power is utilised when the Pauline privilege is not an option and dissolving the marriage would benefit the church. For instance, if a Roman Catholic desires to marry a baptized non-Catholic, the Petrine privilege can be invoked to dissolve the Catholic’s previous marriage. In rare cases, the privilege may also be extended to dissolve the marriage of two unbaptized non-Catholics if one of them intends to marry a Catholic. The Petrine privilege is exercised to safeguard the church’s interests and ensure that the marriage aligns with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The Petrine Privilege is a provision in Catholic canon law that allows for the dissolution of a valid but non-consummated marriage between two baptized individuals, with one party seeking to enter a new marriage.
Only the Catholic party in the non-consummated marriage can request the Petrine Privilege.
The Petrine Privilege can be granted if there is sufficient evidence to prove that the marriage was not consummated and that the non-Catholic party is unwilling to consummate the marriage.
The process of obtaining the Petrine Privilege can vary, but it typically takes several months to a year, depending on the complexity of the case and the availability of the necessary documentation.
No, the Petrine Privilege is only applicable in cases where the non-Catholic party is unwilling to consummate the marriage.
No, the Petrine Privilege is specifically for non-consummated marriages. If the marriage has been consummated, other grounds for annulment or dissolution would need to be pursued.
No, the Petrine Privilege does not require the consent of the non-Catholic party. It is solely based on the unwillingness of the non-Catholic party to consummate the marriage.
Yes, the Petrine Privilege can still be granted if the non-Catholic party is deceased, as long as the marriage was non-consummated.
The children from a non-consummated marriage are considered legitimate and their rights and responsibilities are not affected by the granting of the Petrine Privilege.
Yes, the decision to grant or deny the Petrine Privilege can be appealed to a higher ecclesiastical authority if there are valid grounds for doing so.
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This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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