Pascite Gregem Dei

Reforming Book VI of the Code of Canon Law

Pope Francis2021-05-23Current

Read official document on Vatican.va ↗Return to library

Overview

Promulgates a revised penal law for the Latin Church with clearer offenses, penalties, duties, safeguards, and pastoral accountability.

Why This Document Matters

It is central to understanding the current penal provisions of the 1983 Code and the duty to apply ecclesiastical discipline.

Historical Context

Issued by Pope Francis in 2021, this apostolic constitution addresses the pastoral, doctrinal, or governing needs of its period while remaining part of the Church's continuing documentary tradition.

Authority and Status

Genre: Apostolic Constitution
Authority class: Papal apostolic constitution
Juridical force: Doctrinal, legislative, or governing according to its provisions
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 2021-05-23
Effective: 2021-12-08

A high-form papal act whose doctrinal, juridical, or governing force is determined by its contents and stated provisions.

Key Points

Canon Law & GovernanceMoral TheologyEcclesiology

Major Themes

Canon Law & GovernanceMoral TheologyEcclesiology

Document Relationships

Amends: Code of Canon Law
Affected law: 1983 Code of Canon Law, Book VI
Related records: Code of Canon Law

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Pascite Gregem Dei

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

Read official document on Vatican.va ↗Source verified 2026-08-25 · Opens in a new tab