Pope to students of canon law: Seek the supernatural good of persons

By Christopher Wells Canon law performs “an essential service in safeguarding ecclesial communion” and is “extremely necessary for the Church,” Pope Leo XIV told members of the Canon Law Faculty of the Pontifical Gregorian University on Friday. He explained that the goal of forming “individuals who possess an ecclesial sense of iustum, “what is just,” can only be accomplished when the study of canon law is undertaken “in light of the mystery of the Church.” Although that image can never be “perfectly” translated into canonical language, “canon law must nonetheless reflect that image,” the Pope said. Quality over quantity Reflecting on the history of the Faculty on the 150th anniversary of its establishment, the Holy Father recalled its roots in the Jesuit tradition, especially in St Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises.