Wymiar kar kościelnych w kontekście Salus animarum
Dimension of ecclesiastical penalties in the context of salus animarum

Summary/Abstract: In his paper, the author considers the question of the dimension of ecclesiastical penalties in the context of the salvation of souls. He reaches the conclusion that the law of the Church and the power of punishment are closely associated with the same nature and mission of the Church which was established by Christ, not only as a spiritual community linked by supernatural bonds but also as a visible community, which, for the realization of its salvific mission (salus animarum), has at its disposal various means, including the power to inflict penalties. Ecclesiastical penalty always entails some diminution or even deprivation of rights that belonged to a person because of the state of life in the Church. The Church and, more precisely, those who stand at the head of communities apply penalties under the authority of Christ. The infliction of ecclesiastical penalties is effectuated within the triple function of the power of governance, i.e. legislative, executive, and judicial. However, criminal sanctions are inflicted on condition of external violation and it must be a violation of some penal statute, general or particular, or penal regulation. In addition, there must be significant sanity as a result of intentional or unintentional guilt. If it lacks any of the above-mentioned elements, it is not possible to impose of a criminal sanction in the Church in a particular case. Although this principle is absolute, still it permits an exception. Namely, the legislator allows punishment also for exceeding the legal provision that is not backed by a criminal sanction under two conditions: if the special gravity of the offense demands punishing and if, at the same time, the need to avoid scandal or to repair it is urgent. This is always done in the context of the salus animarum.

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