La “riconversione” dei luoghi di culto in Italia: prospettive ecclesiali per un “uso profano non indecoroso”.

Tomer, Alberto

As it is widely known, the problem regarding the decommissioning of Catholic churches and other sacred places which, for various reasons, no longer can maintain their designation for divine worship is perceived with an ever increasing urgency. Among the many profiles that such a phenomenon inevitably involves, the concern for what will be of the building afterwards is clearly seen as a priority: and it is an issue which is not to be underestimated, not only because of the common problems that always arise when intervening on historical buildings, but also – and above all – since the Code of Canon Law itself, in consideration of the dignity of their past function, states that the new destination, although “profane”, must still be “not sordid” as well. Even when approached with the utmost respect, however, this principle is often treated as if it was merely a general indication, which conveniently forbids certain reuses, but can barely provide any help when reflecting about the adaptations that should be preferred. Focusing on this aspect, the essay aims to show how, on the contrary, it is possible to shed more light on the final results of the relegation “to profane but not sordid use” through a proper dialogue between the dispositions of the Code and the many ecclesial documents which address the topic directly or indirectly.

Ephemerides Iuris Canonici, 2023, Vol 63, Issue 1, p109

0013-9491

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