Title XXVIII: Of the Manner of Proceeding in the Removal of Removable Pastors

§ 1. A removable pastor also can be removed from his parish for a just and grave cause according to the norm of can. 2147.

§ 2. As regards religious pastors, the prescription of can. 454, Sec. 5 is to be observed.

If the Ordinary has considered that some one of these causes is present, let him warn the pastor paternally and exhort him to resign the parish, indicating the cause which renders his parochial ministry harmful or at least ineffective to the faithful.

With the prescription of can. 2149 remaining firm, if the pastor refuses, let him render reasons in writing, which the Ordinary, so that he may proceed validly, must weigh together with two examiners.

If, after the examiners have been heard, the Ordinary has judged that the reasons brought forward are not legitimate, let him repeat paternal exhortations to the pastor, with removal threatened if within a congruous defined time he does not spontaneously leave the parish.

§ 1. The predefined time having expired, which he can prorogue according to his prudence, the Ordinary is to issue the decree of removal.

§ 2. But he is held to provide for a resigning or removed pastor according to the norm of can. 2154-2156.