Pope Francis has simplified the procedure for the cancellation of marriage

Pope Francis simplified the procedure for annulling a marriage in Catholicism.

In the Catholic Church there is no concept of divorce - marital relations are terminated only with the death of one of the spouses, after which the second may remarry. At the same time, there is a procedure for annulment of a marriage, when it is considered invalid because of violations committed during its conclusion.

Marriage can be annulled for a number of reasons: for example, if at the time of his conclusion a man was not 16 years old, and a woman was 14 years old if they were related by close relationship, if one of the spouses was already married or kidnapped another.

Under the new rules of the Vatican, the requirement that the decision of the ecclesiastical court to annul the marriage should be automatically considered by another panel of judges is canceled. In addition, an expedited trial procedure is introduced, when there are compelling reasons for declaring a marriage null and void, and both spouses agree to cancel it. Under this procedure, the marriage can be canceled for two months. Under normal conditions, the process can drag on for years.

Previously Pope Francis allowed all priests to absolve women who had an abortion. This practice will last for one year, starting December 8. Now only the main absolution in the diocese can relieve the sin of abortion.