Number 1640 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) teaches that "the marriage bond has been established by God himself in such a way that a marriage concluded and consummated between baptized persons can never be dissolved. This bond, which results from the free human act of the spouses and their consummation of the marriage, is a reality, henceforth irrevocable, and gives rise to a covenant guaranteed by God's fidelity. The Church does not have the power to contravene this disposition of divine wisdom.
Though the Church and her ordained ministers have no authority to violate such teaching especially to its detriment, she may still impose some reforms provided it is still aligned with her doctrines and for the salvation of souls. And such line of thought was indeed considered by the Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis, as he announced a radical reform with regards to marriage particularly with its annulment. In brief, a member of the Catholic Church seeking for annulment would have to undergo a seemingly esoteric and expensive process to make things done. Prior to the reform, couples wanting annulment would have to undergo a very complicated process before their marriage is considered as annulled.
The new process once properly applied would then fast-track the procedure, especially if both spouses request for it. For in the new guideline, bishops may now directly grant such request of annulment as long as such request is mutual. And it's good to note that this change does not only include a fast-track decision coming from Church authorities, but it likewise includes an access to procedures that is free of charge.
Now this move of Pope Francis may be viewed by some as a departure from the efforts of his predecessors, John Paull II and Benedict XVI in terms of strict annulment process. However, some experts contend that this move only shows the capacity of Pope Francis to see existential needs of his flock. James Bretzke, a professor of theology at Boston College remarked that "Francis has shown us over and over again his [different approach], which is 'let's look at the people in the pews, in the barrios, in the field, and let's respond to them in their existential needs.'"
One should realize that this so-called drastic change with regards to annulment is not just a matter of the Pope's own conviction. For prior to this reform, aside from prayers, series of studies were done by church lawyers and clerical experts commissioned by the Pope to determined whether such move is align with the Scripture, Tradition and Magisterium of the Church.
