Archbishop Wenski Weighs In On Annulment Change
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Pope Francis is making it easier for Catholics to annul their marriage by introducing a new "fast track" process which will allow local bishops to review applications if neither spouse is contesting the end of the marriage.
Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski feels simplifying the process will keep Catholics in the Church.
"Catholics must get an annulment to receive communion or remarry in the Church. In the past, Catholics were charged fees and urged to give large donations while waiting for an annulment to be approved. Now annulments will be free," said Archbishop Wenski.
"It is a process where the Church can offer understanding and listen to people's stories because no two stories are the same," said Sister Theresa Ann.
The pope is also asking bishops to be more welcoming to divorced and separated Catholics who have abandoned the Church.
"I have an annulment with the old way and it worked and I am happy about that," said Martha Novelly. "But I hope the new will bring more people back to the Church."
The Pope still describes marriage as a union that should never be broken but says the new reforms are motivated by concern for the "salvation of souls."
