Javier Otaduy, Professor of Canon Law
The analysis
What will be the orientation of the legislative text? Is it significant that Pope Francis is making a new constitution instead of reforming the "Pastor Bonus" Constitution drafted by John Paul II?
-Of course it is an important fact. Moreover, it is significant because Pope Francis has only been Holy Father for a few months. You have to understand the current circumstances because everyone's eyes are on the Curia and it seems that all the problems lie there. The Pope is going to start a remodeling of the Curia, but, in my opinion, the dicasteries should be better managed, with better communication between them.
How long will it take to draft the new constitution?
-I don't know how many months it will take, but its essay entails a long period of work. With the last two drafts, from the time it was announced that it was going to be drafted until it was implemented took some time, as it is also important for the Holy Father to gain some experience. Perhaps in a year's time we will be talking about the new constitution.
Is it known how many experts are needed to deal with the new laws?
-There is no exact figure. What is known is that the authorship is Pontifical, but the Pope can count on those in charge of essay who will be his people of trust. However, the committee will also be involved in the legislative texts.
What direction will Francis want to give to the new Constitution that will replace the Pastor Bonus?
-He will continue to focus on transparency, so that it predominates in the IOR, and he will promote external control of the eight cardinals who give an international aspect to the Curia.