Simplifies annulment procedures

In a document known as a Motu Proprio, Latin for “by his own initiative”, Francis reaffirms traditional teaching on the “indissolubility of marriage”, making clear that the Vatican was not in any form promoting or sanctioning divorce. However, he said he would make it easier for separated couples to obtain an annulment, by eliminating a mandatory review of an annulment decision by a second tribunal, and giving bishops sweeping powers to judge quickly the most clear-cut cases. He says Catholics who sought annulments should not be “long oppressed by darkness of doubt” over whether they could have their marriages declared void.