Metropolia i metropolita w wymiarze prawnym – wczoraj i dziś (w dwudziestą rocznicę utworzenia Metropolii Białostockiej)

Abstract

The subject of the thesis is the institution of a metropoly (a church district) and the authority governing the metropolitan territorial unit in the historical and legal perspective. After presenting the genesis and beginnings of forming of the metropoly in ancient times, the author describes its further, dynamic development in medieval decretals. Next, the author focuses on a reform carried out by the Trent Council (1545-1563) and analyses its reformation decretals. In the following part of the thesis the author discusses relevant provisions of the Canon Law of 1917. Finally, he reviews the directive of the Council of Vatican II (1962-1965) and provisions of the Canon Law of 1983, in which previous provisions have been largely simplified. Documents of the Holy See issued while this Canonic Law was in force (Exhortation of John Paul II Pastores gregis of 16 October 2003 and documents of the Directory of Congregation for Bishops Apostolorum successores of 22 February 2004) have also been considered. Having analysed provisions of the Canon Law of 1983 and the above successive documents regarding the metropoly and the office of the metropolitan bishop over the ages, on one hand, a fidelity to centuries-old tradition can be observed, but on the other hand, perceiving the institution of the metropoly in a more pastoral perspective meeting requirements of modern times.