Reflections on the Role of the Diocesan Bishop Envisioned by Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus

Abstract

The author, himself a diocesan bishop, offers some reflections on the role of the diocesan bishop envisioned by the motu proprio Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus . In order to gain a proper understanding of Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus , the author considers it essential to place the document in its proper context. For that to happen, it requires to have a sense of the legislator, that is, of Pope Francis, to be able to see this particular legislative action in the overall context of his way of exercising the Petrine ministry. There is a great deal of seemingly intentional repetition in what Pope Francis has offered to the Church and to the world at large in the three years since his election. This repetition helps us identify certain emphases in his ministry that in turn give us a better understanding of Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus .