The Apostolic Constitution in Ecclesiarum Communione, on the Ordering of the Vicariate of Rome

Abstract

The Apostolic Constitution In Ecclesiarum Communione was born within the framework of the reform undertaken by Pope Francis toward a Church that overcomes a structure of “self-preservation” and opens itself to missionary and synodality. In this context, we have been analyzing the new discipline introduced with this Apostolic Constitution, from which emerges a government of a collegial nature of the diocese, which is realized through the enhancement of the role of the auxiliary bishops as episcopal vicars of the Pope in contact with the territory and the people of the city, assisted in their action by the offices of the Curia in Rome, open to collaboration and listening to all. A structure of the Curia in which the intervention and control of the Pontiff is much more present, of which the Cardinal Vicar acts as guarantor and becomes the instrument of connection with the Council of Bishops, while the Vicegerent is entrusted with the task of coordinating the activity of the various offices.  A discipline in the organization of the Vicariate that is detached in so many aspects from the previous ones, with a sure tendency aimed at synodality and openness to the new poverties of the city.