Chapter IV. Removal of Irregularities

As a general rule irregularities cease only by dispensation granted by the Holy See through the Sacred Congregation on . the Discipline of the Sacraments for the external forum, and through the Sacred Penitentiary for the internal forum.

Ordinaries personally or through another have power to dispense their subjects from all irregularities arising from occult crimes, except from voluntary homicide or the procuring of abortion with effect, and others brought before their judicial forum.

All confessors have the same power in more urgent occult cases in which not even the Ordinary can be approached, and there is danger of serious harm or loss of reputation, but only to enable a penitent to exercise lawfully the Orders which he has already received (Can. 990).

When there is a doubt of fact about an irregularity an Ordinary can dispense if the Holy See is accustomed to dispense in such cases (Can. 15).

The simple impediments cease on the total cessation of the cause or fact from which they arise, and by dispensation.

In the petition for a dispensation from irregularities and simple impediments all the irregularities and impediments in the case should be mentioned. A general dispensation will not avail for those not mentioned in bad faith.

If there is question of a dispensation from voluntary homicide, the number of crimes must be mentioned under pain of invalidity of the dispensation (Can. 991).