Departure from the Church and Fundamental Rights in the Canonical System: The Protection of Religious Freedom and of the Ius Connubii

Abstract

In today’s context of progressive secularization of society it is a matter of great importance to study the legal situation of the faithful who have abandoned the Church and the protection of their natural rights within the canonical law. In particular, it focuses on two of the most significant rights: religious freedom and the right to marry (ius connubii). Faithful status should not hinder the exercise of the natural rights. This is a premise recognized by the authors, but the fulfillment of this principle must be checked in the specific legal standards concerning the faithful, and in particular the faithful that live away from the Church.