II DIOCESAN BOUNDARIES

22. For a diocese to fulfil its purpose it is necessary that the nature of the Church be clearly manifested in the people of God belonging to the diocese. Bishops must be able to carry out their pastoral function effectively among their people, and finally the spiritual welfare of the People of God must be catered for as perfectly as possible. This requires not only a proper determination of the territorial limits of the diocese but also a reasonable distribution of clergy and resources in accordance with the needs of the apostolate. All these things contribute to the good, not only of the clergy and the faithful who are directly involved, but also of the whole Church.

Therefore as regards diocesan boundaries the sacred Synod decrees that, insofar as the good of souls requires it, a prudent revision of diocesan boundaries be undertaken as soon as possible. This can be done by dividing, distributing or uniting dioceses, changing their boundaries, or appointing a more suitable place for the episcopal see, or finally, and especially in those dioceses which comprise larger cities, by establishing a new internal organization. (See D. 46, 12.)

23. In revising diocesan boundaries a first care should be the preservation of the organic unity of each diocese, as in a healthy living body. This applies to persons, offices and institutions. Due weight being given in individual cases to the particular circumstances, the following general criteria should be born in mind:

(1) In determining diocesan boundaries the variety of the composition of the People of God should be taken into consideration as far as possible, since this may materially contribute to more effective pastoral care.

At the same time an effort should be made to ensure as far as possible that the demographic groupings remain united with the civil offices and institutions which constitute their organic structure. For this reason the territory of each diocese should be continuous.

The limits of civil boundaries should also be taken into account where they occur, as well as the special characteristics --- psychological, economic, geographical or historical --- of people and regions.

(2) The size of the diocesan territory and the number of its inhabitants should as a general rule be such that on the one hand the bishop himself, assisted perhaps by others, is able to duly exercise his pontifical functions and carry out his pastoral visitations in it. He should also be in a position to control and coordinate effectively all the apostolic activities in his diocese, and especially to know his priests and all the religious and laymen who are involved in diocesan activities. On the other hand a diocese should provide sufficient and suitable scope for the bishop and his priests to employ usefully all their energies in the ministry, taking into account the needs of the universal Church.

(3) Finally, for the more effective exercise of the ministry of salvation, each diocese should normally have enough priest capable of looking after the People of God. Those offices, institutions and activities should not be lacking which are suited to a particular diocese and which experience shows to be necessary for its efficient administration and for its apostolate. Lastly, resources for the care of personnel and the maintenance of institutions should be already in hand or at least it should be foreseen that they will be provided from elsewhere. Accordingly, where there are believers of different rites, the bishop of that diocese should make provision for their spiritual needs either by providing priests of those rites, or special parishes, or by appointing episcopal vicars, with the necessary faculties. If necessary, such a vicar may be ordained bishop. Alternatively, the bishop himself may perform the functions of an Ordinary for each of the different rites. And if the Apostolic See judges that, on account of some special circumstances, none of these alternatives are practicable, a special hierarchy should be established for each different rite.[2]

Likewise in similar circumstances provision should be made for the faithful of a different language group either by appointing priests who speak that language, or by creating special parishes, or by appointing an episcopal vicar well versed in it. If it is deemed suitable he may be ordained bishop, or the matter may be dealt with in some other appropriate way. (See D. 46, 12.)

24. The competent episcopal conferences should examine all matters relating to the changes and alterations to be made in dioceses in their territories, in accordance with nn. 22, 23. This is without prejudice to the discipline of the Oriental Church. A special episcopal commission may be established for the purpose, but the views of the bishops of the provinces or regions involved should always be taken especially into consideration. Finally, they should present _

____________________________________________________________________ 2. Cf. VAT. II, Decree on Eastern Catholic Churches, n. 4: AAS 57 (1965) p. 77.

their recommendations and wishes to the Apostolic See. (See D. 46, 12.)