CHAPTER II : METROPOLITANS
Can.
435 An ecclesiastical province is presided over by a Metropolitan, who is
Archbishop in his own diocese. The office of Metropolitan is linked to an
episcopal see, determined or approved by the Roman Pontiff.
Can.
436 §1 Within the suffragan dioceses, the Metropolitan is competent:
1° to see
that faith and ecclesiastical discipline are carefully observed and to notify
the Roman Pontiff if there be any abuses;
2° for a
reason approved beforehand by the Apostolic See, to conduct a canonical
visitation if the suffragan Bishop has neglected it;
3° to
appoint a diocesan Administrator in accordance with cann. 421 §2 and 425 §3.
§2 Where
circumstances require it, the Apostolic See can give the Metropolitan special
functions and power, to be determined in particular law.
§3 The
Metropolitan has no other power of governance over suffragan dioceses. He can,
however, celebrate sacred functions in all churches as if he were a Bishop in
his own diocese, provided, if it is the cathedral church, the diocesan Bishop
has been previously notified.
Can.
437 §1 The Metropolitan is obliged to request the pallium from the Roman
Pontiff, either personally or by proxy, within three months of his episcopal
consecration or, if he has already been consecrated, of his canonical
appointment. The pallium signifies the power which, in communion with the Roman
Church, the Metropolitan possesses by law in his own province.
§2 The
Metropolitan can wear the pallium, in accordance with the liturgical laws, in
any church of the ecclesiastical province over which he presides, but not
outside the province, not even with the assent of the diocesan Bishop.
§3 If the
Metropolitan is transferred to another metropolitan see, he requires a new
pallium.
Can.
438 The title of Patriarch or Primate gives a prerogative of honour, but in the
latin Church does not carry with it any power of governance, except in certain
matters where an apostolic privilege or approved custom establishes otherwise.
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