Pope Leo XIV updates the Constitution of the Vicariate of Rome

Vatican News

Three years after the reform of the Vicariate of Rome introduced by the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV has intervened with the Motu Proprio Confirma Fratres Tuos to update the Apostolic Constitution In Ecclesiarum Communione.

In the document, the Holy Father recalls the mission entrusted by Christ to Peter—“Strengthen your brothers” (Lk 22:32)—and reiterates the particular role of the Church of Rome, which is called to make visible the ecclesial communion that springs from the Petrine ministry. From this perspective, the Pope observes, ecclesiastical structures must also be continually directed toward mission and service to the People of God.

The intervention stems precisely from this need. Following the entry into force of In Ecclesiarum Communione in January 2023, the pastoral and administrative experience of the Vicariate brought to light certain aspects that required review. For this reason, on 25 February of this year, the Holy Father ordered the establishment of a dedicated working group tasked with examining the current legislation and proposing any necessary updates.

The fundamental principles that guided the renewal of the Vicariate promoted by Pope Francis remain unchanged, beginning with the missionary and synodal character of the Church of Rome. Among the most significant new features is a more explicit formulation of the principle of the co-responsibility of the faithful, who are called to participate, according to their vocation and charisms, in the life and mission of the ecclesial community.

The amendments chiefly concern the governance of the Vicariate. The new Constitution simplifies and streamlines the distribution of responsibilities among the various bodies. The role of the Cardinal Vicar as head of the Vicariate and ordinary judge of the diocese is confirmed, while coordination of the Offices and the administrative structure is entrusted to the Moderator curiae, appointed by the Holy Father for a five-year term. The Constitution also clarifies certain provisions concerning the Vicegerent and the Auxiliary Bishops, as well as the procedures for the appointment of parish priests and assistant parish priests.

Another section concerns the bodies for participation and consultation. The Episcopal Council is redefined as a permanent consultative body, called to assist the Cardinal Vicar in the principal pastoral and administrative matters. The regulations governing the other diocesan bodies have likewise been streamlined.

The structure of the Offices and Services introduced in 2023 remains substantially unchanged. The same applies to the Vicariate’s Tribunals, whose operation is unaffected. The regulations governing the Independent Supervisory Commission, however, have been revised: the Constitution confirms its role as an internal oversight body while referring the detailed definition of its responsibilities and operating procedures to a separate set of regulations.

The objective remains that set out in the 2023 reform: to make the Vicariate an ever more effective instrument for supporting the Church’s evangelizing mission, fostering ecclesial communion, and accompanying the pastoral life of the Diocese of Rome.