Challenges for the Implementation of the Mitis Iudex in Nigeria

Marriage as a social institution is accorded the dignity of a sacrament in the Catholic Church. The creation of the bond of marriage is predicated on the validity of the marriage celebration and once a valid marriage is contracted, the possibility of divorce is foreclosed. However, putative marriages could be examined and where the grounds for nullity exist, the declaration of nullity of marriage would be granted at the marriage tribunals. The process leading to nullity was ostensibly cumbersome, long and less productive, leading to the promulgation of the Mitis Iudex by Pope Francis. It modified the Church’s canonical procedures for determining the declaration of nullity of marriage. The book is centred on the implementation of this reform in Nigeria. The promulgation of the reform is a welcome development, but it needs to be implemented. Its success will be predicated on its proper implementation. This book unravels challenges the tribunals in Nigeria face in implementing the reform and proffers solutions to the challenges identified. The book will be useful to tribunal personnel in Nigeria, parish priests, seminarians, laity, and all researchers working on comparative studies.