In a seven-page dossier, obtained by German newspaper Die Zeit, the officials express concerns over an absence of consultation on the matter.

They complained that no curial departments, including the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, or bishops'conferences, were consulted before the changes.

The process of obtaining a declaration of nullity was made simpler, quicker and cheaper as a result of two motu proprios issued by Pope Francis last week.

Motu proprio means "by his own initiative".

The dossier stated that usual legislative channels have been "undermined" as "none of the planned steps of a legislative procedure have been followed".

Critics say this goes against the Pope's calls for synodality and collegiality.

According to a report in the National Catholic Register, the papal commission that drafted the motu proprio had been ordered to keep silent throughout the drafting process.

But the report also alleges that this commission did not see the final draft.

It states that an Italian cardinal along with two others "fiercely" tried to prevent the motu proprio being published before the synod on the family, but without success.

The report also voices concern that the changes will lead to a flood of annulments and that from now on, couples would be able to simply exit their Catholic marriage without a problem.

They also charge that the language used in the papal documents was too vague.

"A number of monsignors who are officially in charge of directing the affairs of the Church at large, are beside themselves" and feel obligated to "speak up", according to Die Zeit.

Sources

• National Catholic Register
• The Tablet
• Image: Catholic Herald

They are hoping Pope Francis will discuss such issues when he meets President Barack Obama and addresses the US Congress in September.

The issues raised include immigration reform, economic injustice for low-wage workers, pervasive racism in US institutions and society, and mass incarceration.

One union leader said people in the United States are "as divided as we've ever been by race, by economics, by politics, by everything".

Pope Francis is seen as a force for reconciliation and reform.

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American Archbishop Augustine Di Noia was named an "adjunct secretary" of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he previously served as under-secretary from 2002 to 2009.

Italian Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, previously the prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, was named the "Major Penintentiary," or head of the Apostolic Pentintentiary, a Vatican court that deals with matters of the internal forum, including forgiveness of sins, excommunications and indulgences.

The pope also named Archbishop Beniamino Stella to take over at the Congregation for Clergy. Stella is currently the head of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.

Meanwhile, the pontiff accepted the resignation from the role of Major Penitentiary of Cardinal Manuel Monteiro de Castro, who has reached the age of retirement.

In the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, he confirmed as Prefect Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Müller, and as Secretary Archbishop Luis Francisco Ladaria Ferrer.

The pope also appointed as Consultant Bishop Giuseppe Sciacca, Adjunct Secretary of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.

In the Congregation for the Evangelisation of the People, he has confirmed as Prefect Cardinal Fernando Filoni, as Secretary Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, and as Adjunct Secretary Archbishop Protase Rugambwa.

He has confirmed as Secretary Archbishop Celso Morga Iruzubieta. He has appointed as Secretary for the Seminaries Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong, who until now was Bishop of Paplanta, elevating him at the same time to the dignity of Archbishop.

In the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, he has appointed as Delegate of the Ordinary Section Msgr. Mauro Rivella, of the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Turin.

Pope Francis also appointed as Legate in Germany His Excellency Archbishop Nikola Eterović, was until now was General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops.

He has appointed as successor in the same role His Excellency Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, who until now was Secretary of the Congregation for Bishops.

He has also appointed as Legate in Sierra Leone Archbishop Mirosław Adamczyk, Legate in Liberia and Gambia.

He finally appointed as Legate and President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy Giampiero Gloder, Head of Office with Special Responsibilities in the Secretariat of State, elevating him at the same time to the dignity of Archbishop.

Sources

NCR Online

Vatican Insider

Image: The Guardian