Saint Paul University’s Faculty of Canon Law is proud to announce the release of its latest scholarly publication, The Penal Law of the Roman Catholic Church: Substantive Law. Authored by Monsignor John A. Renken, full Professor and former dean of the Faculty, this new volume represents a significant contribution to the faculty’s canon law commentary series.
This comprehensive commentary provides an in-depth analysis of canons 1311-1399 (Book VI) of the Code of Canon Law, reflecting the latest 2021 revisions introduced by Pope Francis in his apostolic constitution Pascite gregem Dei, which was promulgated on May 23, 2021 and came into effect on December 8, 2021. Additionally, the commentary incorporates references to subsequent revised legal texts including:
- Pope Francis, apostolic letter Vos estis lux mundi (2nd ed., March 25, 2023)
- Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Norms on the More Grave Delicts (3rd ed., October 11, 2021)
- Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Vademecum on Certain Points of Procedure in Treating Cases of Sexual Abuse of Minors Committed by Clerics (2nd ed., June 5, 2022)
The book meticulously explores the Church’s penal legislation, covering the Church’s inherent right to impose penal sanctions on Catholics, the nature and scope of penal laws and precepts, and the various types of penalties and remedies. It also provides detailed discussions on the application and remission of penalties and the specific sanctions for delicts established by papal law for the Latin Church.
In addition to the current Book VI canons, The Penal Law of the Roman Catholic Church: Substantive Law makes historical references to related canons in the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the 1917 Code of Canon Law, and the 1990 Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (as revised by Pope Francis in his apostolic letter Vocare peccatores, promulgated on March 19, 2023, and effective June 29, 2023).
The publication includes several appendices featuring contemporary official documents related to penal law, as well as a thorough bibliography designed to encourage further research and reflection.
Where to Purchase The Penal Law of the Roman Catholic Church: Substantive Law
To purchase this publication, please contact Saint Paul University’s Mulitservices Centre at cms-msc@ustpaul.ca or by phone at (613) 236-1393 ext. 2234.
The volume is $75, not including shipping, and prices are subject to change. Shipping cost and applicable taxes will be added to the order by the Multiservices Centre.
All proceeds from the sale of this book will support students pursuing canon law studies at Saint Paul University, contributing to the advancement of scholarship in this important field.
For more information, please contact:
Julie Bourassa
Communications Officer, Saint Paul University
613-236-1393, ext. 2310
jbourassa@ustpaul.ca
