Abstract / DOI
Merci and Justice as Cornerstones of Canon Law. A persistent emphasis on the Christian virtue of mercy has since the beginning of his pontificate constituted the pivotal term of Pope Francis‘ magisterium – and criticism has soon been raised, pointing at conflicts between the aspect of mercy on one side and that of justice on the other. These seemingly controversial rationes agendi are joined and reconciled in the principle of canonical equity, which must always be served if canon law is rightly to be applied according to its first and foremost purpose: the salvation of the souls (c. 1752 CIC).