Vatican City, 19 April, 2024 / 7:00 pm (ACI Africa).
In the latest move in Pope Francis’ reform of the Vatican judiciary, the pope issued a new motu proprio on Friday on the retirement age and benefits for cardinal judges and magistrates in the Vatican’s court system.
The April 19 motu proprio states that Vatican magistrates will retire at the end of the judicial year in which they turn 75 and cardinal judges at the age of 80, unless Pope Francis asks them to remain in office beyond the age limit.
Magistrates and judges who wish to resign from office before the retirement age can only do so with the approval of the pope.
The pope also has the prerogative to dismiss magistrates unable to fulfill their duties at any time. Upon the termination of their duties, magistrates will retain the rights to assistance and welfare provided to Vatican citizens and employees.
The motu proprio, which will go into effect the day after its publication, amends the Church’s Law on the Judicial System of Vatican City State.
